@M3i
edited
more from that month
TSS 2: The Father of Algebra
Do you know that the word **algebra** was derived from the title of a book? How about I also let you know that the term **algorithm** was coined from the name of an individual. The individual who wrote the book and from whose name algorithm was derived is none other than our second secret scientist. His name is **Abu Ja'far Muhammad Ibn Musa Al-Khwarizmi**. He lived between 780 and 850 CE in Baghdad. He is popularly referred to as **the father of algebra** and in some circles as **the grandfather of Computer Science**. The latter for his contribution to the development of the concept of algorithm. He was a scholar at the Bayt Al-Hikmah (House of Wisdom) in Baghdad. The scholars in this establishment engaged in the study of algebra, geometry, astronomy amongst others. They proffered practical applications of their knowledge to solving day to day problems. Al-Khwarizmi was a proponent of the Hindu-Arabic system of numbers i.e. 1,2,3 in preference to the Roman numerical system for mathematical operations. He also encouraged the systematic use of the numeral Zero (0) as a place holder. These were contained in his book which was translated in Latin as **Algoritmi de numero Indorum** (**Al-Khwarizmi on the Hindu Art of Reckoning**). He developed a procedure for solving linear and quadratic equations by balancing both sides of the equation. This was achieved by the removal of negative terms from the equation. This is summarised as completion (Al Jabr) and balancing (Al Muqabala). This was captured in his famous work aptly titled **Hisab Al-Jabr W'al Muqabala**.
He also addressed the rules for finding areas of figures as well as volumes of some shapes in the book. The book is regarded as the first on algebra and covered included practical applications such as distribution of land and salaries as well as inheritance. Al-Khwarizmi is also credited with a notable work on Astronomy which comprised calendars, calculating true positions of the heavenly bodies amongst other relevant topics. He is also credited with an important piece on Geography which provided coordinates for 2402 places on earth. The book listed coordinates, water bodies, regions and provided maps as well as other vital geographical information. He is also reported to have written about the sun dial and astrolabe.
There you have it. The life and works of the father of Algebra in brief. Our next stop, TSS 3: Have you seen the light? Please watch this space. See reference links below for further reading **Interactive Mathematics** https://www.intmath.com/basic-algebra/al-khwarizmi-father-algebra.php **Al Jazeera** https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/science-in-a-golden-age/2015/10/al-khwarizmi-father-algebra-151019144853758.html **MacTutor History of Mathematics** https://mathshistory.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Al-Khwarizmi/
Shukran Danke Merci Gracias ขอบคุณ ধন্যবাদ Спасибо
15 comments
I really don't know too much about Aljabra .And I don't know that Muslim's scientists are the founder of these calculation. I am feeling proud to know about this. Thanks for writing a very informative article for us.
Muslim scientists discovered or/and a lot of sciences. not only algebra, there is also chemistery, medicine, geography and so on.
Indeed Muslims have a glorious heritage of contributing positively to mankind but unfortunately today we have taken the back seat. Due to ills of some Muslims we are rather unfairly seen as a problem to mankind.
We never were a problem and we will never be. People are doing nonsense killing in the name of every religion. As for taking the back seat, it's the result of neglecting the search for knowledge and paying attention for meaningless stuffs.
As Muslims we have every right to stand proud of our heritage. We should also strive as individuals to contribute positively to humanity just like these scientists did.
Instead of learning in schools about such greats who are responsible for the progress of humanity, we fill children's heads with various wars and mass murderers. A great respect for his work, a lot of good things went into the world thanks to great minds like him.
Sometimes the fact that the feat of these men seem to have been relegated totally to the background baffles me. It was thanks to the documentary of Prof.Jim Al-Kalili that some of these men came to the limelight for a while.
Great work
A great respect for his work, a lot of good things went into the world thanks to great minds like him. Thank you so much for sharing this interesting and informative topic.
You're welcome @ Maijidda. I'll God willing be posting about another pioneering scientist soon.
Thanks for the information. Never knew that the name Algebra is derived from title of a book. However Algebra was never my favourite subject in school.
🙂 Why did you dislike algebra @AAR1975?
Because I was not very good at it!LOL!!
This is one of the best article have read in my short spell on this platform, I never knew , there's a book names algebra and the authors name is algorithm, I guess I should be ashamed since qm somewhat of a scientist
There's no need to be ashamed . A vast majority of people have never heard about this great mathematician before.