Вопрос 7: Биографических данных о древнегреческих ученых очень мало, мы редко
знаем даже даты их рождения и смерти. Мы вряд ли узнали бы о событиях,
происшедших в жизни одного из них в 21 год, в 38 лет, в 43 и в 84 года,
если бы не произведение, созданное его поклонником и последователем.
Назовите жанр этого произведения.
Ответ: Алгебраическая загадка (задача)
In the twilight of the Greek era, a singular man appeared — Diophantus,
who has been called the "Father of Algebra". Of his dates, we know only
that they fell sometime between 100 and 400 AD. However, we do know
precisely how long he lived — 84 years. We have this information because
one of his admirers described his life in terms of an algebraic riddle.
The riddle begins: "Diophantus' youth lasted 1/6 of his life. He grew a
beard after 1/12 more. After 1/7 more of his life, Diophantus married; 5
years later he had a son. The son lived exactly 1/2 as long as his
father, and Diophantus died just four years after his son. All of this
adds up to the years Diophantus lived."
Источник(и): http://www.firstscience.com/SITE/factfile/factfile1481_1500.asp (#1487)
Автор: Римма Ионтель