The Babylonians estimated square roots using the following formula: If n = a + b, then n

The Babylonians estimated square roots using the following formula:

Transcribed Image Text:

If n = a + b, then n = a + For example, if n = 11, then n = 9 + 2, so that n = 11, a = 3, and b = 2. perfect square This Babylonian approximation for VII is found by VII 3+ 2 2(3) b 2a a. Can b be negative? b. Consider the following possibilities: 3.3333... With a calculator, we obtain VII 3.31662479. Write a paper about this approximation method. Here are some questions you might consider: \b a Can you formulate any conclusions about the appropriate hypotheses for the Babylonian approximation?