In modern day mathematics, the use of decimals to determine accurate calculations is used in almost every situation. It is used so often that we forget that decimals haven’t always been around. They had to have come from somewhere, but where did they come from? The origination of the decimal system is often overlooked and undervalued, but the importance of decimals in modern mathematics is extremely significant. This is why Simon Stevin’s work on decimal arithmetic was such a huge impact on the advancement of mathematics. This work titled, “Disme: The Art of Tenths,” was created to simplify modern calculations for people that take the role of merchants, astronomers, measures of tapestry, and land measurers. (Stevin) Little did Stevin know, this discovery would lead to many great discoveries and would be used by mathematicians from all over the world.
Before we examine Stevin’s work and how it impacted modern mathematics, we must first understand Stevin’s past and what inspired him to publish his masterpiece. Stevin was born in the year 1548 in modern day Belgium. (O’Conner) Stevin was assumed to be raised a Calvinist by the family his mother married into. In his younger years, Stevin became a bookkeeper and cashier in a firm in Antwerp. Then in the year 1577, he acquired a job in a tax office in Brugge. (O’Conner) These early jobs make it clear that Stevin was very fluent with the arithmetic already used in those days. From these jobs, he must have seen the need for a more simple type of arithmetic. When Stevin was 35, he attended the University of Leiden. It was at this university, Stevin became acquainted with the second son of William Prince of Orange who was the ruler of the Northern area of the Netherlands at the time. Stevi...
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...e public only added another factor to the success of the decimal system in the European world.
As we look around us today we see evidence of Stevin’s decimal arithmetic everywhere. We use it in measurements, weights, currency, and many other situations. Each of these situations is proof of how large an impact on modern day mathematics that Stevin’s decimal arithmetic had. The fact that to this day, about 400 years later, we still use the exact same methods Stevin invented is very fascinating. I begin to wonder where not only mathematics, but society in general would be today if Stevin had not made decimals popular. Decimals benefited not only mathematicians, but people of all classifications. Engineers especially benefited from the use of decimals because they were finally able to do precise calculations. This contributed to many amazing inventions and discoveries.
Abstract: This paper gives an insight into the Mathematics used by the American Indians. The history of American Indians and how they incorporated mathematics into their lives is scarce. However from the information retrieved by Archeologists, we have an idea of the type of mathematics that was used by American Indians.
.” He showed people how math can relate to real world problems of every kind. He helped shape the mathematical system we have today and he should be recognized for doing so.
The introduction of the book “Nickel and Dimed” by Barbara Ehrenreich, it talks about where Barbara and the editor, Lewis Lapham discovered the idea of this book. The two were having a lunch at an expensive restaurant and Ehrenreich concern was how people with low job skilled are able to make living with small income. Her primary concerned was towards women who are about to be on job hunt because of the reformation of the government welfare. Ehrenreich stated that she could not see herself going through this. She even mentioned how her fellow college student were seeking for jobs in the 1960s just to be part of the working class, and even some family were surviving off low wages however she was never interested doing them tasks. Since she has Ph.D. in biology, Ehrenreich established a scientific approach to create some limitations while going undercover as an unwell educated, divorce, and a lower person of who she really is. She going
It is interesting that despite the fame he achieved because of his mechanical inventions, he believed that pure mathematics was the more worthwhile pursuit. Plutarch describes his attitude:
Tubbs, Robert. What is a Number? Mathematical Concepts and Their Origins. Baltimore, Md: The Johns Hopkins
The invention of calculus started in the second half of the 17th Century. The few preceding centuries, known as the Renaissance period, marked a time of prosperity in different areas throughout Europe. Different philosophies emerged which resulted in a new form of mindset. Science and art were still very much interconnected and intermingled at this time, as exemplified by the work of artists and scientists such as Leonardo da Vinci. It is no surprise that revolutionary work in science and
Newton also discovered the concept of decimal fractions, which could be used to evaluate Pi out to any given number of decimal places. Newton believed that quantities calculated by binomial expansion should be considered an infinite series. Adding the binomial ...
What is math? If you had asked me that question at the beginning of the semester, then my answer would have been something like: “math is about numbers, letters, and equations.” Now, however, thirteen weeks later, I have come to realize a new definition of what math is. Math includes numbers, letters, and equations, but it is also so much more than that—math is a way of thinking, a method of solving problems and explaining arguments, a foundation upon which modern society is built, a structure that nature is patterned by…and math is everywhere.
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...othing like what are computers are today, it still started the ball rolling for the invention of many practical and useful computers today.
Burton, D. (2011). The History of Mathematics: An Introduction. (Seventh Ed.) New York, NY. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
In conclusion, it is clear that while their ancient civilization perished long ago, the contributions that the Egyptians made to mathematics have lived on. The Egyptians were practical in their approach to mathematics, and developed arithmetic and geometry in response to transactions they carried out in business and agriculture on a daily basis. Therefore, as a civilization that created hieroglyphs, the decimal system, and hieratic writing and numerals, the contributions of the Egyptians to the study of mathematics cannot and should not be overlooked.
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...guage, paper, the decimal system, nautical steering rudder and the use of negative numbers in mathematics to name a few are highlights of this nation’s cultural development and contributions to the world.