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Explore the remarkable Old Babylonian sexagesimal system in this 26-minute lecture. Delve into the powerful and logical arithmetical system that gave ancient Babylonians immense computational capabilities. Discover how they adopted the Sumerian base 60 system, utilized reciprocal tables, and developed multiple tables for calculations. Learn about the emergence of quadratic questions in relation to Pythagoras' theorem, known as the Diagonal Rule. Examine the famous YBC 7289 tablet, which showcases the Old Babylonian approximation of the square root of 2. Gain insights into the mysteries surrounding this sophisticated mathematical system and its early adoption by an ancient civilization.
