Mathematics & Computer Science
Algebraic symbolism for unknowns
5th-7th c. CEAryabhata; BrahmaguptaAryabhatiya; BrahmasphutasiddhantaPan-Indian / unspecified
401 CE
Use of letters/abbreviations for unknown quantities, square/cube roots, and negative numbers.
- Dated
- 401–700 CE
- As scholars put it
- 5th-7th c. CE
- Originator
- Aryabhata; Brahmagupta
- Source text
- Aryabhatiya; Brahmasphutasiddhanta
- Region
- Pan-Indian / unspecified
- Discipline
- Mathematics & Computer Science
- Evidence
- Documented
- Confidence
- High
- Verification
- Verified-web
Meanwhile in the West
Symbolic algebra matured later in Europe.
Fair to say
An early notation, less developed than modern symbolic algebra.
Path to modern innovation
Symbolic notation is essential to modern mathematics.
Transmission
Transmitted via Arabic algebra.
Primary sources
References
- 1Wikipedia: List of Indian inventions
- 2A. E. Bell
Further reading
Corrections and additional sources: edit IND-086 on GitHub.