The types of problems found on ancient papyri, books, and tablets focuses primarily on problems that relate to daily life. The solution methods for many ancient cultures are generally verbal, with mathematical statements written out in words. Why did most ancient cultures primarily write out their mathematical texts in words?
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Many ancient cultures primarily wrote out their mathematical texts in words because writing was a relatively new technology at the time and not everyone was literate. It was easier to convey mathematical concepts through verbal explanations and descriptions rather than using symbolic notation that only educated individuals could understand. Additionally, many ancient cultures valued oral tradition and storytelling, so writing mathematical concepts in words allowed for easier transmission and understanding of the information. Furthermore, mathematical symbols and notation as we know them today did not exist in these ancient cultures, so verbal explanations were the most effective way to communicate mathematical ideas.
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