Babylonian 3700 year trigonometric table

Australian scientists have deciphered the oldest trigonometric table of the Babylon world.

Plimpton 322 is the first trigonometric table in the world.(Photo: UNSW.)

Scientists at the University of New South Wales, Australia have discovered a mysterious digital engraving board of Babylon that is the oldest trigonometric table in the world with a date of 3700 years, RT reported on August 25.

The board is called Plimpton 322, found by archaeologist Edgar Banks in the early 20th century. Scientists have spent decades deciphering this clay tablet. This is the oldest trigonometric table in the world, before the Greek period of 1000 years.

Plimpton 322 is the size of a hand, consists of 4 vertical columns and 15 horizontal rows of engraved numbers, using a hexadecimal coefficient. This clay artifact is highly capable of being used to determine the proportion of corners in building construction.

The identification of the "Pythagorean set" is the key to determining the purpose of the panel, said Dr. Daniel Mansfield and Professor Norman Wildberger at the University of New South Wales.

" Our research shows that Plimpton 322 describes square triangles, using a new kind of trigonometry based on scales rather than angles and circles. It is a great mathematical work to prove genius minds , " explains Dr. Mansfield.

"The board shows not only the oldest trigonometric table in the world but also the only true trigonometric table, because the Babylonian approach to arithmetic and geometry is very different," he added.

The sign appears before studies by Greek astronomer Hipparchus, who is thought to be the father of trigonometry, Windberger said. " Plimpton 322 has before Hipparchus more than 1000 years. This opens new possibilities for modern mathematical research and math education".

"There is also a treasure trove of Babylonian inscriptions, but so far only part of them have been studied. The mathematician just understands that this ancient but highly sophisticated mathematics also contains many things. can teach us , " commented Windberger.