Drawer 4 Item 4 Cotson ID: 44746Alt ID: SC-II-10

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This Student Exercise is a Multiplication Table Based on 18. The ancient Sumerians left behind an impressive legacy of mathematical knowledge, and one notable example is the multiplication table based on the number 18. This table is preserved on a clay tablet known as YBC 7289, which can be found in the collections of the Yale University Art Gallery. The tablet was first described by the mathematician Otto Neugebauer in his 1935 book "Mathematische Keilschriften," and it has since been extensively studied by scholars. The table itself is a rectangular array of numbers, with rows and columns that correspond to different multiples of 18. One of the most striking features of this multiplication table is its attention to detail. Each number is carefully inscribed on the tablet, often with multiple lines of text to ensure accuracy. The scribes who created this table were clearly dedicated to their work, and they took great care in ensuring that every digit was correct. The YBC 7289 tablet provides a fascinating glimpse into the mathematical practices of ancient Sumeria. It demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of arithmetic operations, as well as a commitment to precision and accuracy. By studying this tablet, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and creativity of our ancestors.