Sleepy History Mathematics
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Mar 2, 2025 Discover the origins of mathematics, tracing its journey from counting on clay tablets to ancient artifacts like the Ishango bone. Explore how civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt contributed to its evolution, leading to abstract reasoning rather than just practical application. Dive into the Renaissance, where math intertwined with art, featuring notable figures like Newton and Leibniz. Finally, learn about the remarkable Srinivasar Ramanujan, whose unique insights continue to shape modern mathematics and theoretical physics.
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Ishango Bone
- The Ishango bone, found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is potentially the world's oldest mathematical tool.
- Its engravings suggest early humans may have understood prime numbers and performed calculations.
Babylonian Math
- Babylonian mathematics, evidenced by clay tablets from 2000 BCE, was surprisingly sophisticated.
- They used algebra, understood geometry, and applied math to astronomy, predicting Jupiter's movements.
Egyptian Math
- Ancient Egyptians used math practically, for accounting, trade, and architecture.
- The Rhind Papyrus, from 1550 BCE, showcases problems involving fractions, multiplication, division, and geometry.
