How was algebra discovered?

Algebra developed over centuries through contributions from various ancient civilizations such as Babylonians, Greeks, and Arabs, evolving as a mathematical discipline to solve equations and understand relationships between quantities, with key advancements made by mathematicians like Diophantus, al-Khwarizmi, and Descartes. read less

Algebra has ancient roots, with its development occurring over centuries and across various cultures. The word "algebra" itself comes from the Arabic term "al-jabr," used by the mathematician Al-Khwarizmi in the 9th century. The ancient Egyptians and Babylonians also contributed to early algebraic concepts. The Greeks made geometric advancements that laid the groundwork for algebraic ideas. Algebra continued to evolve in the Islamic world during the medieval period, particularly with the works of mathematicians like Al-Khwarizmi and Omar Khayyam. It later influenced European mathematicians during the Renaissance. Overall, algebra's development is a rich tapestry woven by contributions from diverse cultures and scholars across time read less