Prompt Cast
The Origins of Math Symbols and Their Importance in Simplifying Math Problems
TLDR Math symbols such as plus, minus, multiplication, division, and equal signs were created to simplify math problems that were previously written out as long word problems. These symbols have origins in Latin and were introduced by mathematicians to save time and make mathematical equations more concise.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The origins of math signs, such as plus, minus, multiplication, division, and equal symbols, were important because they simplified math problems that were previously written out as long word problems.
02:05
The origin of the equal sign is attributed to Robert Rekord, a mathematician who proposed it as a time-saving notation for writing "equals" repeatedly.
04:11
The plus and minus signs in math come from Latin, with plus meaning more and minus meaning less, and the plus symbol itself comes from the Latin word "et" meaning "and."
06:25
The tilde is the line over the P or M in math, and it is unclear if the minus sign itself is called that or if it has to be over a letter to be called that.
08:25
The multiplication symbol is not actually an "x" and is called the cross of San Andreas, introduced by William Autred in the 16th century.
10:37
The division symbol, also known as the obelisk, is supposed to represent a small dagger and is used to cut a portion in half, while the backslash symbol for division is called a fraction bar or solidus, according to the International Organization for Standardization.
12:29
The hosts attempt to use a keyboard shortcut to create the division symbol, but it doesn't work and they apologize for misleading listeners.
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Society & Culture
