Answer to Question #123195 in English for Felicia Ngubandze

Question

Explain when each of the following algebraic aspect or concept was developed.
State in what part of the world was that aspect or concept developed.
(i) Base ten place value to write numbers,
(ii) Negative coefficient,
(iii) Letters to indicate variables
(iv) Zero
(v) Equation sign

Answer 1

(i) Base ten place value to write numbers was developed in India and the Arab World, by 500 A.D.

(ii) Negative coefficient was invented by the Indian mathematician, Brahmagupta, at around 7th Century A.D.

(iv) Zero: It was conceived in Mesopotamia in around 3 B.C.

(v) The equation sign was invented by Robert Recorde in 1557. It was developed in Wales, and it gained recognition in England.