Mathematical Knowledge. The Egyptians developed practical knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. They applied these mathematical operations to practical problems such as figuring out the number of people needed to dig a lake of a particular size, build a ramp, transport an obelisk, erect a colossus, or provide necessities for an army. They could also compute the area of buildings and the slope of a pyramid. The most important mathematical text preserved from ancient Egypt is the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus, now located in the British Museum. Some fragments of the papyrus are also kept in the Brooklyn Museum of Art. A scribe named Ahmose recopied this text in the Second Intermediate Period (1630-1539/1523 B.C.E.) from a copy he claimed was made in the reign of Amenemhet III (circa 1818-1772 B.C.E.). Many commentators believe the text also draws on...