History of Mathematics

By Utkrista Mulmi

We have been taking notes on various concepts such as The human being, The human systems and The history of Mathematics.

Mathematics is a very old subject and we could not have survived without it. It is used a lot in our everyday life.

On this subject, we have taken notes about uses of numbers, about mathematics, history of mathematics and number prefixes. They can be explained as below:

Uses of numbers: We use numbers in everyday life to count, measure, make codes, compare, figure location. People use these methods of mathematics constantly.

About mathematics: Mathematics has six main subjects, them being: Arithmetic, Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra, Calculus, Data Probability and statistics.

Arithmetic consists of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions and other simpler forms of mathematics. This form of mathematics is used most often.

Geometry is the study of shapes, position, space, and star mapping. Trigonometry deals with measuring angles, sides, and their relationships. This also applies to waves, sounds light waves and angles.

Algebra is the use of variables representing numbers that can be used to solve complex problems, equations, structures, groups, constructions and concepts.

Calculus is the most difficult form of math. It uses limits, functions, derivatives, infinite series and study of change.

Number prefixes: These are shortened words relating to numbers. They are:

Uni 1

Bi 2

Tri 3

Quad 4

Penta 5

Hexa 6

Septa 7

Octa 8

Nona 9

Deca 10

People use prefixes in words like unicycle or octopus.

Some interesting historical facts of mathematics

1. 30000 years ago, Seasons were counted                                                                   
2. 6000 years ago, Sumerians used shapes to count 1, 10 and 100
3. 5300 years ago, Babylonians used other shapes like triangles and circles.
4. Romans used I II III IV V and so on for 12345.
5. Zulus used fingers and toes as did others.
6. Nigerians used shells based on 205.
7. Persians used knots
8. Incas used Kibu, Strong.
9. Arabic numbers were invented 5000 ago
10. Egyptians used fractions
11. Sumerians and Babylonians used number 60 system.
12. Chinese used 10s and decimals and started using Abacus.
13. Egyptians used multiplication.
14. Abacus was the calculator.

15. Arabic Mathematician AI Quaresuna introduced 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.