Prompt Cast
The Evolution of Mathematical Symbols: From Ancient Babylonians to Modern Mathematics
TLDR Mathematical symbols, such as the plus sign and multiplication symbol, were not used in mathematics until the 15th and 17th centuries. The evolution of symbols, including the division symbol, equal symbol, percent sign, and Greek letter pi, has made it easier to convey complex ideas in a single character.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Mathematical symbols, which are a relatively recent invention, were not always used in mathematics, making complex calculations much more difficult.
01:35
The ancient Babylonians and Sumerians were able to do complex mathematics without mathematical symbols, but they did lack a zero and symbolic expressions for equations.
02:59
The symbols we use in mathematics today, such as the plus sign and the multiplication symbol, were not created until the 15th and 17th centuries, respectively.
04:32
The multiplication symbol has taken on different forms throughout history, including a raised X, a dot, and an asterisk, while the division symbol has evolved from the obelisk to the solidus or forward slash.
05:55
The solidus symbol became the preferred symbol for division due to its use in computers, while the equal symbol was created by Robert Rhecord to avoid writing "is equal to" repeatedly, and the percent sign originated from the Italian phrase percento.
07:28
The modern division symbol was created in 1637 by René Descartes, the greater than and less than symbols were created in 1631 by Thomas Harriet, the infinity symbol dates back to the 7th or 8th century, and the use of the Greek letter pi to represent the ratio of a circumference to its diameter is relatively recent.
08:51
Mathematical symbols, such as pi and delta, were chosen based on the first letters of relevant words, and the use of symbols in mathematics became more widespread over time, making it easier to convey complex ideas in a single character.
