History of Algebra
As a branch of mathematics, algebra emerged at the end of 16th century, with the work of François Viète. Algebra can essentially be considered as doing computations similar to that of arithmetic with non-numerical mathematical objects. However, until the 19th century, algebra consisted essentially of the theory of equations. For example, the fundamental theorem of algebra belongs to the theory of equations and is not, nowadays, considered as belonging to algebra.
This article describes the history of the theory of equations, called here "algebra", from the origins to the emergence of algebra as a separate area of mathematics.
Wikipedia
This article describes the history of the theory of equations, called here "algebra", from the origins to the emergence of algebra as a separate area of mathematics.
Wikipedia
What is Algebra?
Algebra (from Arabic al-jebr meaning "reunion of broken parts"[1]) is one of the broad parts of mathematics, together with number theory, geometry and analysis. In its most general form algebra is the study of symbols and the rules for manipulating symbols[2] and is a unifying thread of all of mathematics.[3]As such, it includes everything from elementary equation solving to the study of abstractions such as groups, rings, and fields. The more basic parts of algebra are called elementary algebra, the more abstract parts are called abstract algebra or modern algebra. Elementary algebra is essential for any study of mathematics, science, or engineering, as well as such applications as medicine and economics. Abstract algebra is a major area in advanced mathematics, studied primarily by professional mathematicians. Much early work in algebra, as the Arabic origin of its name suggests, was done in the Near East, by such mathematicians as Omar Khayyam (1050-1123).
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
The Story of Algebra
So what is the Story of Algebra? The following videos are from Keith Devlin a British mathematician and popular science writer. Currently Dr. Devlin is at Stanford University and instructs mathematics. For more information on Dr. Devlin see "People" under the mathematics culture tab.