What math concept is related to the wadjet eye?

Answer 1

The wadjet eye, also known as the Eye of Horus, is a symbol from ancient Egyptian mythology representing protection, royal power, and good health. In mathematics, the Eye of Horus is associated with the concept of the "Eye of Horus fractions," a system used by the ancient Egyptians for measuring quantities. These fractions are based on powers of 2 and are represented as parts of the eye, with each part having a specific value. The Eye of Horus fractions were used for calculations involving measurements, such as in construction and trade.

Answer 2

Different parts of the Eye of Horus were thought to be used by the ancient Egyptians to represent one divided by the first six powers of two:

The right side of the eye = 1/2

The pupil = 1/4

The eyebrow = 1/8

The left side of the eye = 1/16

The curved tail = 1/32

The teardrop = 1/64

The Rhind Mathematical Papyrus was thought to contain tables of 'Horus Eye Fractions'.

Studies from the 1970s to this day in Egyptian mathematics have clearly shown this theory was fallacious and Jim Ritter definitely showed it to be false in 2003. The evolution of the symbols used in mathematics, although similar to the different parts of the Eye of Horus, is now known to be distinct.