Calculus As A Branch Of Mathematics - 1169 Words

In order to dive into precursors to calculus we need to understand exactly what calculus itself is. So what is it? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary calculus is defined as a branch of mathematics that deals mostly with rate of change and with finding lengths, areas, and volumes; it is divided into two types: integral and differential. The calculus we have come to know and love has been around for quite some time, dating all the way back to its â€Å"creation† which is credited to Newton and Leibniz. But what if there was an ancient form of â€Å"calculus† before our modern calculus? Many ancient civilizations were brilliant and used mathematics in ways that the people before them never could but is there enough evidence to support the theory that calculus was not simply the conception of the two rivals Newton and Leibniz? According to Dr. John H. Lienhard the â€Å"bare bones of [calculus] had been hatching before either Newton or Leibniz was born.† Anc ient Egypt was one of the civilizations that was â€Å"hatching the bare bones† of calculus. We will discuss the problems the ancient Egyptians were trying to solve as well as the methods or techniques they used and why this leads to the conclusion that neither Newton or Leibniz should be solely credited with the birth of calculus. Ancient Egypt has long been a focus for many of us here in the modern world. With its magnificent architecture, culture, and interesting literature it has baffled the minds of many great thinkers. It is suchShow MoreRelatedSome Application of Calculus1446 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿ Calculus: Calculus (Latin, calculus, a small stone used for counting) is a branch of mathematics focused on limits, functions, derivatives, integrals, and infinite series. This subject constitutes a major part of modern mathematics education. It has two major branches, Differential Calculus and Integral Calculus, which are related by the fundamental theorem of calculus. Calculus is the study of change, in the same way that geometry is the study of shape and algebra is the study of operationsRead MoreThe Contributions of Isaac Newton to The Scientific Revolution1064 Words   |  5 PagesRevolution is Sir Isaac Newton. He made many advancements in the field of science and mathematics, he discovered Gravity, developed the three basic laws of motion, and co-development of Calculus. Isaac Newton did several thing that positively affected the scientific community during the Scientific Revolution and still affect society today, he recognized the three laws of motion, discovered gravity, and co-developed calculus. The scientific revolution was a time of inquisition, discovery, and new ideasRead MoreThe Historical Development Of Areas Of Knowledge1621 Words   |  7 Pagesstill historical developments that are very relevant to this day. If one looks at the areas of knowledge mathematics and the natural sciences, there are examples of historical developments that are and are not fit to be compared to current knowledge standards of their time. This raises a few questions. First, how reliable are historical knowledge standards in the valuing of new knowledge in mathematics? By discussing the function of the ways of knowing reason and imagination, this question can be answeredRead MoreThe Theory Of The Scientific Revolution1255 Words   |  6 Pagesimpacted all fields of science from cosmology to biology. The fields of mathematics, chemistry, and medicine were drastically improved because of the scientists in their fields who discovered new concepts to propell the movement. In all three fields, there was a thirst for understanding and organization that was answered by the revolutionary new concepts. For chemistry, it was the development of the scientific method, for mathematics, it was the organization of the universe, and for medicine, it was theRead MoreThe Contribution Of Leonhard Euler1712 Words   |  7 Pageswas a fascinating and talented man who made significant contributions in mathematics, physics, engineering and astronomy (Stockstill). The incredible amount of work he produced in mathematics has made his name famous around the globe. He has produced more work than any other professional in mathematics (Australian Mathematics). His work in calculus, graph theory, and mathematical notation has greatly influenced mathematics (Euler Website). Euler was a great 18th-century mathematician but also workedRead MoreApplications of Discrete Mathematics2036 Words   |  9 PagesDISCRETE MATHEMATICS Discrete mathematics is the study of mathematical structures that are fundamentally discrete rather than continuous. In contrast to real numbers that have the property of varying smoothly, the objects studied in discrete mathematics – such as integers, graphs, and statements in logic – do not vary smoothly in this way, but have distinct, separated values. Discrete mathematics therefore excludes topics in continuous mathematics such as calculus and analysis. Discrete objectsRead MoreDifferences Between Facts And Theories Of Math And History Essay1074 Words   |  5 Pagesprecede the theories. This paper will discuss the differences in the relationship of facts and theories of math and history using calculus and World War II respectively. First argument The first argument analyses math and the notion that theories precede the facts in this field. This argument uses calculus as a real life situation. Calculus is a branch of mathematics involved with the calculation of varying quantities (Rohde et al. 1). It is considered significant because it provides principlesRead MoreRole of Mathematics in Business Economics1407 Words   |  6 PagesRole Of Mathematics in Business amp; Economics Introduction: Mathematics have been one of the primary elements of business and economics since ancient times, when farmers had to count the animals in their possession and merchants had to have a clear picture of their goods value. With the introduction of money as the universal legal tender, all goods acquired a numerical value, making math calculations even more important. Furthermore, in the competitive global market environment of today, businessesRead MoreSir Isaac Newton, born on the 25th of December 1642 in Woolsthorpe by Colsterworth, Lincolnshire,600 Words   |  3 Pagesage of 19 he confessed to; Threatening my father and mother Smith to burn them and the house over them. The great brain of Sir Newton remained unused between the age of 12 and 17 where at â€Å"The Kings School, Grantham† he learnt Latin but not the Mathematics we all recognise him for today. He was eventually removed from the school by his mother who attempted to make Sir Newton become a farmer like his father p rior to the master of â€Å"The Kings School†, Henry stokes persuading Sir Newton’s mother to allowRead MoreStatement of Purpose962 Words   |  4 PagesSTATEMENT OF PURPOSE FOR MS APPLIED STATISTICS. Right from childhood, I was fond of mathematics and how it had the ability to convey a lot of information with so little illustrations. This, together with my consistent good performance in mathematics throughout high school, was responsible for the nurturing of a special interest in it. This childhood zeal in the subject gradually crystallized into a more mature form as I stepped into higher studies. The most significant influence on my