History of Math and Technology
A blog covering the history of STEM and how we got to where we are.
The History of the Sieve of Eratosthenes The Sieve of Eratosthenes is one of the most ancient and ingenious algorithms in the history of mathematics. Developed by the Greek mathematician Eratosthenes of Cyrene (circa 276–194 BCE), it remains a fundamental algorithm for generating prime numbers and has had a significant influence on various fields of …
The History of Irrational Numbers in Mathematics Irrational numbers are one of the most profound and fascinating discoveries in the history of mathematics. These are numbers that cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers, and their decimal expansions neither terminate nor repeat. Examples include \(π\), \(e\), and \(\sqrt{2}\). Despite their seeming complexity, irrational …
The Fibonacci Sequence: Math in Nature The Fibonacci sequence is one of the most iconic and widely studied concepts in mathematics. It represents a series of numbers in which each term is the sum of the two preceding terms, beginning with 0 and 1. Written as $$0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,…$$, the sequence unfolds in a pattern that has …
Hilbert’s 23 Problems: A Legacy of Mathematical Inquiry At the dawn of the 20th century, German mathematician David Hilbert (1862–1943) revolutionized mathematics by presenting a list of 23 problems during his lecture at the International Congress of Mathematicians in Paris in 1900. These problems spanned various fields, posing foundational challenges and advancing research directions for …
Pascal’s Triangle is one of the most recognizable patterns in mathematics, featuring a triangular arrangement of numbers with significant properties and applications. Although it is named after Blaise Pascal, the famous French mathematician and philosopher who studied and formalized its structure in the 17th century, the concept behind Pascal’s Triangle dates back to ancient civilizations. …
Euclidean geometry is one of the cornerstones of mathematics, shaping our understanding of space, structure, and relationships between shapes. Originating in ancient Greece, this branch of geometry owes its name and foundation to the Greek mathematician Euclid, often referred to as the “Father of Geometry.” Euclid’s work, Elements, provided a systematic and logical framework for …
The History of Logarithms Logarithms, a fundamental mathematical concept, have significantly shaped the development of mathematics, science, and technology. By transforming complex multiplications into simpler additions, logarithms revolutionized calculations and laid the groundwork for advances in astronomy, engineering, and physics. The Origins of Logarithms: Napier’s Insight The concept of logarithms was first introduced in the …
The History of Geometric Construction Geometric construction is one of the oldest and most fundamental branches of mathematics, tracing its origins back to ancient civilizations. The use of geometry to construct shapes, angles, and figures without the aid of measuring tools—other than a compass and straightedge—has fascinated mathematicians for millennia. The principles behind geometric construction …
The Ishango Bone: A Prehistoric Mathematical Marvel The Ishango Bone is one of the earliest known artifacts that suggest humanity’s ancient understanding of numbers, counting, and possibly even basic arithmetic. Unearthed in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, this prehistoric artifact dates back to around 18,000 to 20,000 years ago and provides an …
The History of Sine and Cosine Functions Sine and cosine functions are fundamental to trigonometry, a branch of mathematics that deals with the relationships between angles and sides of triangles. These two functions are not only key to solving geometric problems but also play a vital role in many areas of science, including physics, engineering, …