The area of study known as the history of mathematics is primarily an investigation into the origin of discoveries in mathematics and, to a lesser extent, an investigation into the mathematical methods and notation of the past.
Before the modern age and the worldwide spread of knowledge, written examples of new mathematical developments have come to light only in a few locales. The most ancient mathematical texts available are Plimpton 322 (Babylonian mathematics c. 1900 BC), the Moscow Mathematical Papyrus (Egyptian mathematics c. 1850 BC), and the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus (Egyptian mathematics c. 1650 BC). All of these texts concern the so-called Pythagorean theorem, which seems to be the most ancient and widespread mathematical development after basic arithmetic and geometry.
The Greek and Hellenistic contribution, influenced as it was by Egyptian and Babylonian mathematics, is often considered amongst the most important for greatly refining the methods (especially the introduction of mathematical rigor in proofs) and expanding the subject matter of mathematics.[1] The contribution of Indian mathematics was also of great importance in the early Middle Ages, giving rise to the decimal system of mathematics that was later adopted in Europe and that is used in present day.[2] Islamic mathematics, in turn, developed and expanded the mathematics known to these ancient civilizations. Many Greek and Arabic texts on mathematics were then translated into Latin, which led to further development of mathematics in medieval Europe.
From ancient times through the Middle Ages, bursts of mathematical creativity were often followed by centuries of stagnation. Beginning in Renaissance Italy in the 16th century, new mathematical developments, interacting with new scientific discoveries, were made at an increasing pace that continues through the present day.
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The email, signed by Marc Mutty, begins with a "pop quiz:" Which of the following does not belong in the same group as the others: A) History B) Mathematics ...
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Bjoern
Sun, 23 Aug 2009 08:01:00 GM
In this article, the author looks to Saussure and the theory of semiotics to argue that . history of mathematics. has an essential role to play in . mathematics. education. "The historian's and the working mathematician's ways of knowing are ...
