Here is a poem from Bhaskara's Lilavati which poses a math problem about the number of bees.
Can you determine the number of bees in the swarm?
You must show your work (Hint: Let B = the number of bees in the swarm).

The square root of half the number of a swarm of bees is gone to a shrub of jasmine;
and so are eight-ninths of the whole swarm:
a female is buzzing to one remaining male that is humming
within a lotus in which he is confined, having allured to it by its
fragrance at night.   Answer Oh, lovely woman.. the number of bees.

            Send your solution by the end of the month to: David Pleacher