Who Invented Maths? Exploring the Minds Behind Mathematical Discovery

Who invented Maths? While the Sumerians created the first counting system, Scientists generally agree that people have widely used fundamental calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division for over 4,000 years. Several facts and pieces of evidence about mathematics existed before mathematicians made their discovery, so no single person can claim the invention of mathematics.

Who Invented Maths Overview

The word “mathematics” comes from the Greek term “mathema,” which means “knowledge.” Greek mathematicians receive credit for the advancement of mathematics. Mathematicians from around the world have contributed to various aspects of the field, demonstrating that not just one person created mathematics. Although no single person can claim the title of inventor of mathematics, many frequently celebrate Archimedes as the father of mathematics.

Who Discovered Mathematics?

Mathematics was not “discovered” by a single person, but rather developed over millennia through the contributions of various cultures and individuals. Early humans likely began with basic counting and measurement. Ancient civilizations like the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Babylonians contributed foundational concepts like number systems and geometry. Greek mathematicians such as Euclid and Pythagoras made significant advances in geometry and theory. 

In India, Aryabhata introduced the concept of zero, and scholars during the Islamic Golden Age, such as Al-Khwarizmi, developed algebra. The European Renaissance brought further developments, with figures like Descartes and Newton contributing to the fields of algebra, calculus, and geometry. 

Mathematics evolved gradually, with contributions from different civilizations and thinkers, rather than being “discovered” by one individual.

Who invented Maths subject during the Scientific Revolution?

During the Scientific Revolution (16th to 18th centuries), mathematics was not so much “invented” as it was significantly advanced and formalized, building on centuries of prior work. The Scientific Revolution was a period when mathematics became a crucial tool for understanding the natural world, particularly in the fields of physics, astronomy, and engineering. 

Some of the key figures who advanced mathematics during this period include: 

1. René Descartes (1596–1650) 

• Descartes developed analytic geometry, which linked algebra and geometry by using coordinates. His work, La Géométrie (1637), introduced the Cartesian coordinate system, which is still in use today for graphing equations. 

2. Isaac Newton (1643–1727) 

• Newton is widely recognized for developing calculus (independently, at the same time as Leibniz). He applied mathematics to describe the motion of objects and the forces acting upon them. His work in Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica (1687) laid the foundation for classical mechanics and physics. 

3. Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646–1716) 

• Leibniz co-developed calculus and created much of the notation used in modern calculus, such as the integral sign (∫) and the d for differentiation. He and Newton had a famous dispute over the priority of the invention of calculus. 

4. Johannes Kepler (1571–1630) 

• Kepler used mathematics to describe the motion of planets. His laws of planetary motion, based on the work of Tycho Brahe, used mathematical formulas to describe elliptical orbits, which were foundational for Newton’s later laws of gravity. 

5. John Napier (1550–1617) 

• Napier is best known for inventing logarithms, which simplified calculations, particularly for astronomers and navigators. His work on logarithms was instrumental in advancing mathematical computations during the Scientific Revolution. 

6. Blaise Pascal (1623–1662) 

• Pascal made significant contributions to probability theory and fluid mechanics. He also helped lay the groundwork for projective geometry and mathematical logic. 

Conclusion 

During the Scientific Revolution, mathematics was developed and refined into a powerful tool for scientific inquiry. While mathematics itself was not invented, it was advanced significantly by figures like Descartes, Newton, Leibniz, Kepler, and others, who formalized and expanded mathematical methods that were critical for the development of modern science. These advancements paved the way for the growth of mathematics into the broad, highly formalized discipline we know today.

Was Maths Discovered or Invented?

The question “When was math discovered?” rather than “When was it invented?” implies that math may not have been created but uncovered and understood, similar to physical laws. Many believe that mathematics existed before humans discovered and applied it. Often, people acknowledge that ancient societies such as those in Greece, India, China, Egypt, and Mesopotamia pioneered mathematical concepts. Therefore, one could argue that humans did not invent mathematics; they discovered it like other scientific fields.

The Father of Mathematics      

The “Father of Mathematics” title is a respectful nod to those intellectual giants whose work laid the bedrock for modern mathematical understanding. However, attributing such a monumental field to one individual or even a group can be misleading. So, what is math? Mathematics is a river fed by numerous tributaries from various epochs and regions.

Euclid, the ancient Greek mathematician, is frequently credited with this title due to his influential work, “Elements.” This thirteen-volume work of art established the benchmark for mathematical rigor and proof while methodically presenting the knowledge of the time. Is it accurate to refer to him or anyone else as the only father of mathematics?

The History of Mathematics

The mathematics concept did not have one creator or a single point of origin. Rather, it originated independently in several prehistoric societies worldwide. Early humans employed fundamental mathematical concepts to count, measure, and arrange their daily activities, such as keeping track of time, figuring out crop yields, and measuring distances.

Table of Different Numerals

Number	Arabic-Indic	Eastern Arabic-Indic (Persian and Urdu)	Devanagari (Hindi)	Chinese	Tamil	Roman	Brahmi (Indian)
0	٠	۰	०	〇	௦	N/A	𑁦
1	١	۱	१	一	௧	I	𑁧
2	٢	۲	२	二	௨	II	𑁨
3	٣	۳	३	三	௩	III	𑁩
4	٤	۴	४	四	௪	IV	𑁪
5	٥	۵	५	五	௫	V	𑁫
6	٦	۶	६	六	௬	VI	𑁬
7	٧	۷	७	七	௭	VII	VII
8	8	۸	٨	八	۸	VIII	८
9	9	۹	٩	九	۹	IX	९

Babylonian Mathematics

It represents the mathematical practices of the people living in ancient Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) from the era of the Sumerians until the advent of Christianity. The earliest written records of mathematical activity come from the Sumerians, who were the first to form a civilisation in Mesopotamia around 3000 BCE, creating an elaborate measurement system. By 2500 BCE, they were inscribing clay tablets with division and geometry problems and multiplication charts. Records of Babylonian numerals also originate from this period.

Egyptian Mathematics

The most comprehensive piece of Egyptian mathematical literature is the Rhind papyrus, which dates back to around 1650 BCE but likely replicates an older text from the Middle Kingdom (2000-1800 BCE). Named after its scribe Ahmes, it functions as a textbook for mathematics and geometry. Beyond formulas for calculating areas and methods for multiplication, division, and managing unit fractions, it demonstrates knowledge of composite and prime numbers, arithmetic, and geometry. It also includes methods for resolving simple linear equations and calculating arithmetic and geometric progressions.

Greek

Greek mathematicians employed deductive reasoning, unlike earlier civilisations that relied on inductive reasoning from observations. They used strict proofs and logic based on definitions and axioms to validate their findings, possibly drawing inspiration from Babylonian and Egyptian math, although the degree of influence remains debated.

Roman

Greek mathematical principles were revitalised during the Roman era. Basic math was crucial in devising the Roman calendar, which initially had 356 days with an intercalary year. Romans excelled in applying math for financial oversight and tax collection for the Treasury.

Chinese

The earliest Chinese mathematical records are the Tsinghua Bamboo Slips, which date from around 305 BC and showcase the first known decimal multiplication table. Chinese math is distinguished by ‘rod numerals,’ a decimal system using unique symbols for numbers 1-10 and additional symbols for tens’ powers.

Indian

Religious texts from the 8th century B.C. to the 2nd century A.D. contain the surviving Indian mathematical writings, which detail altar construction in various shapes and present advanced concepts such as the Pythagorean theorem, precise calculations of square roots, and lists of Pythagorean triples.

Islamic

The preservation and advancement of mathematics are often attributed to the Islamic world. In the 9th century, the Islamic Empire, spanning from Persia to parts of India, made significant mathematical contributions. While Arabic was the primary language for mathematical texts, it was not Arabs but scholars like the Persian mathematician Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi who made notable advancements, including works on Hindu-Arabic numerals and algebraic methods.

How Ancient Civilizations Contributed to Mathematics

Ancient civilisations made significant contributions to the development of mathematics, shaping it into the discipline we know today. Each civilisation introduced unique concepts and methods that enhanced mathematical understanding.

One of the earliest known counting systems originated with early civilisations, which used tally marks and symbols to keep track of quantities. This foundational practice created number systems that allowed for more complex calculations.

Another crucial advancement came from societies that used geometry to solve practical problems. They developed techniques for measuring land, building structures, and calculating areas, which were essential for agriculture and architecture. These early mathematicians recognised patterns in shapes and numbers, paving the way for geometric principles still in use today.

Introducing concepts like place value and zero marked significant milestones in mathematical history. By representing numbers in a more structured way, they made calculations more efficient and laid the groundwork for advanced arithmetic.

Moreover, symbols and notation transformed mathematics into a more abstract and powerful language. This shift allowed future generations to explore mathematical ideas more deeply and develop theories that extend far beyond practical applications.

These ancient contributions demonstrate that mathematics is not just a series of calculations but a collective journey of discovery that spans time and cultures, enriching our understanding of the world.

Application of Maths

Often encapsulated in symbols, numbers, and equations, this about mathematics is more than just an abstract discipline. It is a language, a logic tool, and a way to model and understand the universe’s many complexities. The essence of mathematics is deeply rooted in its utility and profound impact on micro and macro scales. If you are wondering what basic mathematics means, then this is it.

• Crystal symmetry is analysed through algebraic methods.
• Trigonometric functions determine the distances among celestial entities.
• The advent of differential calculus has spurred significant breakthroughs across various fields of study.
• Cryptography employs mathematical principles.
• Computers operate entirely on mathematical foundations.
• Statistics are currently being utilised in Machine Learning and AI technologies.
• Mathematical applications have significantly enhanced the progression of medical science.

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Facts of Mathematics’s Discovery

• The Sumerians developed the earliest counting system.
• Scientists believe that fundamental mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division date back over 4000 years.
• In ancient times, people performed calculations on clay tablets.
• The Mayan civilisation utilised mathematics for astronomical studies and created calendars derived from astrological forecasts.
• The Greeks are recognised for their contributions to the development of algebra and geometry, which significantly propelled mathematical progress.

Mathematicians of Modern Days

Modern mathematics has seen the contributions of many influential mathematicians who have shaped various branches of the field, including algebra, analysis, topology, number theory, and applied mathematics. Some key mathematicians of modern times, along with their contributions, include: 

1. Andrew Wiles (1953–Present) 

• Contributions: Wiles is famous for proving Fermat’s Last Theorem, a problem that had remained unsolved for over 350 years. His proof, completed in 1994, revolutionized number theory and brought deep insights from algebraic geometry and modular forms. 

2. Grigori Perelman (1966–Present) 

• Contributions: Perelman proved the Poincaré Conjecture, one of the seven “Millennium Prize Problems” that had stumped mathematicians for over a century. His proof, based on Richard S. Hamilton’s theory of Ricci flow, was a major breakthrough in the field of topology. 

3. John von Neumann (1903–1957) 

• Contributions: Von Neumann was a key figure in the development of game theory, quantum mechanics, and computational mathematics. He is also known for contributing to the architecture of the modern computer, and his work on set theory and functional analysis significantly impacted mathematical logic. 

4. Terence Tao (1975–Present) 

• Contributions: Often referred to as the “Mozart of Math,” Tao is known for his work in several areas, including harmonic analysis, partial differential equations, additive combinatorics, and analytic number theory. He was awarded the Fields Medal in 2006 for his contributions to mathematics. 

5. Mary Cartwright (1900–1998) 

• Contributions: Cartwright made pioneering work in nonlinear differential equations and chaos theory. Her collaboration with J. E. Littlewood in the study of oscillations in circuits contributed significantly to the understanding of chaotic behavior in dynamic systems. 

6. Pierre Deligne (1944–Present) 

• Contributions: Deligne is known for his work in algebraic geometry and for proving the Weil conjectures in the 1970s. His work has had a profound impact on the development of modern algebraic geometry and arithmetic geometry. 

7. James Simons (1938–Present) 

• Contributions: A mathematician and billionaire philanthropist, Simons made significant contributions to geometry and topology, particularly in the area of the Chern-Simons theory. His work in the 1970s has been influential in understanding the properties of higher-dimensional spaces and has applications in theoretical physics. 

8. Karen Uhlenbeck (1942–Present) 

• Contributions: Uhlenbeck made groundbreaking contributions to mathematical physics and differential geometry, particularly in the study of Yang-Mills theory, which is fundamental in theoretical physics. She was awarded the Abel Prize in 2019 for her work on geometric analysis and gauge theory. 

9. Charles Fefferman (1949–Present) 

• Contributions: Fefferman is known for his work in harmonic analysis and the theory of partial differential equations. He made important contributions to the study of wave equations and the solution of certain problems in fluid dynamics and statistical mechanics. 

10. Manjul Bhargava (1974–Present) 

• Contributions: Bhargava is a prominent figure in number theory, known for his work on the generalization of Gauss’s composition law and the study of elliptic curves. In 2014, he won the Fields Medal for his contributions to the field. 

11. Lars Hörmander (1931–2012) 

• Contributions: Hörmander was a Swedish mathematician who made significant advances in partial differential equations and mathematical analysis. His work on the theory of distributions and global analysis influenced various fields, including quantum mechanics and statistical physics. 

12. Manfredo do Carmo (1935–2018) 

• Contributions: A leading figure in differential geometry, do Carmo’s work on minimal surfaces and curvature theory influenced not only pure mathematics but also areas like computer graphics and physics.

Invention of Maths and Indian Mathematicians

India has been the cradle for numerous eminent mathematicians who have significantly contributed to the field. Here are some notable Indian mathematicians:

Bhaskara

Also revered as Bhaskaracharya, Bhaskara authored the seminal work ‘Siddhanta Siromani’. He proposed that dividing any number by zero results in infinity and that infinity added to any number remains infinity.

Aryabhatta

A celebrated astronomer and mathematician, Aryabhatta penned the texts ‘Aryabhatiyam’ and ‘Surya Siddhanta’. He asserted the year comprises 365 days and advanced the place value system.

S. Ramanujan

A pivotal figure in modern Indian mathematics, S. Ramanujan’s legacy includes the Hardy-Ramanujan-Littlewood circle method, studies on Elliptic functions, Continued fractions, and the Roger-Ramanujan identities.

Satyendranath Bose

SN Bose is renowned for his contributions to quantum mechanics, including the Bose-Einstein condensate, Bose-Einstein statistics, and Bose-Einstein correlations.

Shakuntala Devi

Famously known as the ‘Human Computer’, Shakuntala Devi achieved fame for her ability to perform rapid and complex calculations mentally, earning multiple world records.

Conclusion

Who invented maths or Mathematics, a vast and profound discipline, that transcends mere numbers and symbols is still a mystery. Its roots, embedded deeply within early human endeavors, grew organically, fed by myriad cultures and minds across millennia. As we trace back the question “Who invented maths?”, we’re embarking on a journey through human civilization. This universal language, continuously improved and expanded, demonstrates humanity’s innate desire to comprehend, quantify, and influence the world.

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