The arithmetic rope, or knotted rope, was a widely used
arithmetic tool in the
Middle Ages that could be used to solve many
mathematical and
geometrical
Geometry (; ) is, with arithmetic, one of the oldest branches of mathematics. It is concerned with properties of space such as the distance, shape, size, and relative position of figures. A mathematician who works in the field of geometry is ca ...
problems.
An arithmetic rope generally has at least 13 knots—therefore, it is often called thirteen-knot-rope—placed at equal intervals. More knots were beneficial, especially for
multiplication
Multiplication (often denoted by the cross symbol , by the mid-line dot operator , by juxtaposition, or, on computers, by an asterisk ) is one of the four elementary mathematical operations of arithmetic, with the other ones being additi ...
and
division.
In
medieval architecture, the knotted rope was indispensable for architects, because it allowed the construction of
equilateral and
right-angled triangles, as well as
circles.
In the depiction of the
liberal arts in
Hortus deliciarum
__NOTOC__
The ''Hortus deliciarum'' (Latin for ''Garden of Delights'') was a medieval manuscript compiled by Herrad of Landsberg at the Hohenburg Abbey in Alsace, better known today as Mont Sainte-Odile.
Description
The ''Hortus deliciarum'' ...
, the
allegory
As a literary device or artistic form, an allegory is a narrative or visual representation in which a character, place, or event can be interpreted to represent a hidden meaning with moral or political significance. Authors have used allegory th ...
of arithmetics is a female figure with a knotted rope.
Common Applications
Notes
References
External links
ZDF Mediathek - Video showing the application of the arithmetic rope(''in German'')
* http://turba-delirantium.skyrocket.de/wissenschaft/rechenseil.htm (''in German'')
{{DEFAULTSORT:Arithmetic Rope
Mathematical tools
Arithmetic