History of Algebra

By grixf
  • 1800 BCE

    Babylonian Mathematics

    Babylonian Mathematics
    Babylonian clay tablets show problems that involved solving for a missing or unknown value.
  • 1650 BCE

    Rhind Papyrus

    Rhind Papyrus
    This ancient Egyption texts show the earliest problem solving of linear equations.
  • 830 BCE

    Al Khwarizmi

    Al Khwarizmi
    Al Khwarizmi wrote on of the first Arab works on the basic theory of algebra and solving equations.
  • 430 BCE

    Geometric Discoveries

    Greek mathematicians Euclid and Pythagoras made vital discoveries that regarding proportional relationships.
  • 250

    Diophantus

    Diophantus
    Diophantus of Alexandria introduced systematic solution strategies,
  • 1130

    Defining "Algebra"

    Defining "Algebra"
    Al-Samawal defines algebra as "[it is concerned] with operating on unknowns using all the arithmetical tools, in the same way as the arithmetician operates on the known.”
  • 1560

    Algebraic Notation

    Algebraic Notation
    François Viète introduced algebraic notation beyond the use of letters. He is considered the "Father of Algebraic Notation."

  • La géometrie

    La géometrie
    In René Descartes' Book III of La géometrie, symbols were used to represent unknown quantities. (Variables) At this point, equations look most similar to what we see in modern algebra.