Timeline: History of Algebra

3300 BCE

Mesopotamia geometry

Mesopotamians used clay for numbers and decorated their homes with pottery and mosaics in geometrical patterns. They also had a number system based on clay tablets using the cuneiform patterns of writing.

1650 BCE

Egyptian Rhind Papyrus

The Rhind Papyrus is an ancient Egyptian book that is an instruction manual for algebra. It contains how to solve algebraic expressions as well as many other math knowledge such as how multiplying and dividing was used at the time. It also gives some information about unit fractions and prime numbers. Egyptians also used hieroglyphics as numbers and measurements were used compared to body parts.

540 BCE

Pythagoras

Pythagoras uses geometrical strategies and visuals to solve equations. He also formulated principles that great Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle used and contributed to mathematics.

299

Diophantus

Diophantus makes great strides toward understanding algebra. He wrote many books dealing with solving algebra that was very advanced at the time and is said to have influenced the number theory. He was and is still known as 'the father of algebra.'

500

Indians develop zero

The concept of zero is given credit to people in India in the 5th century. Before this concept was known many mathematicians had trouble performing simple calculations.

780

Brahmagupta

Brahmagupta replace unknown quantities with letters. He also explained how to find the cube-root of an integer and helped with solving square roots. He also helped develop the zero property of addition and multiplication. (1 x 0 = 0, 1 + 0 = 1)

900

Al-Khwarizmi

Al-Khwarizmi makes a arabic book of algebra of basic theories of equations. He also introduced algebra into European mathematics. During his work he introduced Hindu-Arabic numerals.

900

Abu-Kamil

Abu-Kamil proves the basic laws of algebra and solved complicated problems such as finding variables like x. He was taught by Al-Khwarizmi and applied algebraic methods to geometrical problems.

1545

Gerolamo Cardano

Gerolamo Cardano publishes a book on solving cubic equations. He is said to be the best mathematician at his time and was also a famous physician. His book “Practice of Mathematics and Individual Measurements” contained the solution on cubic equations.

1637

Thomas Harriot

In Thomas Harriot's book “Application of Analytical Art to Solving Algebraic Equations” he introduces the signs of greater than and less than (known as <+>) He also founded the English school of algebra. He kept most of his studies private.

Jan 11, 2017