Origins of algebra | Introduction to algebra | Algebra I | Khan Academy
Khan Academy・2 minutes read
Algebra's roots can be traced back to Al-Khwarizmi, a Persian mathematician in Baghdad, who wrote a book called "Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing" in 820 AD, marking a significant shift in algebra towards modern ideas. Other historical figures like Diophantus in Alexandria and Brahmagupta in India also contributed to shaping algebra into an abstract mathematical field.
Insights
- Algebra originated from a book titled "Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing" written by a Persian mathematician in Baghdad in the eighth or ninth century, introducing concepts like balancing equations and abstract problem-solving.
- The Arabic word "Al-jabr" meaning restoration or completion is associated with algebra, marking a significant shift in mathematical thinking and problem-solving techniques introduced by figures like al-Khwarizmi.
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Persian mathematician in Baghdad in the eighth century.
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Summary
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"Origins and Evolution of Algebra"
- Algebra's origins trace back to a Persian mathematician living in Baghdad in the eighth or ninth century, who wrote the book "Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing" in 820 AD.
- The Arabic word for algebra, "Al-jabr," translates to restoration or completion, associated with moving elements of an equation.
- The book's title, "Al-kitab Al-mukhtasar Fihisab Al-gabr wa'l-muqabala," translates to "Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing."
- Al-Khwarizmi's work marked a significant shift in algebra, introducing modern ideas like balancing equations and abstract problem-solving.
- The first known exploration of algebra dates back to ancient Babylon around 2000 years before the common era, with stone tablets revealing early algebraic concepts.
- Notable figures in the history of algebra include Diophantus in Alexandria around 200-300 AD, Brahmagupta in India around 600 AD, and al-Khwarizmi in Baghdad, credited with shaping algebra into an abstract mathematical field.
