THE BASICS OF ALGEBRA
What is the originof the word “algebra”?
The word “algebra” comes from the title of the book Al jabr w’al muqa ̄ balahby Per-
sian mathematician Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khuwarizmi (783–c. 850; also seen as al-
Khowarizmi or al-Khwarizmi). The book is roughly translated as Transposition and
Reduction,in which he explains the basics of algebraic methods. (For more informa-
tion about the history of algebra, see “History of Mathematics.”)
What early mathematiciansare thought to be responsible for originatingthe
use of algebraic methods and ideas?
To some scholars, Greek (Hellenic) mathematician Diophantus (c. 210–c. 290) is con-
sidered the “father of algebra,” as he developed his own algebraic notation. His words
were noted and preserved by the Arabs; the translation of his words into Latin in the
16th century led to many algebraic advances. In more “modern” times, French mathe-
matician François Viète (1540–1603; also known by the Latin name Franciscus Vieta)
is often credited as the “founder of modern algebra.” (For more information about
Diophantus and Viète, see below and “History of Mathematics.”)
What is algebra?
Depending on whether one is a student or professional mathematician, the word can
mean either of the following (both of which are further described elsewhere in this
chapter). School algebrais what mathematicians refer to as the algebra we learn in
middle and high school and call “arithmetic.” But for most people, algebra means 131
ALGEBRA