In this excerpt from our book, “From Truths to Tools,” we show how the carpenter/geometers of antiquity used the simplest of tools – those mentioned with almost annoying alliteration in the title – to solve for an unknown distance.
Note that the solution does not necessarily require a number as it physically reveals the length of rope or timber needed to reach the span point. Here’s the excerpt:
Love it! I keep looking for ways to lay things out using simple geometry.
These snippets are great. I have the download but have not had time to really look at it. Thanks for sharing these – this is enlightening at the brightest levels.
My wife and I homeschool our kids. We, like all teachers, get asked frequently, “Why do I have to learn this? When will I have to use this?”. This book will demonstrate the answer to that question; it is to be next years second math class. Can’t wait to get it in person.
Yes, and I’ve used ‘By Hound & Eye’ to teach my 8-year-old in our homeschool work.