It's inaccurate to say a single person "discovered" math. Mathematics evolved over millennia through the contributions of numerous cultures and individuals.
Instead of a single discoverer, mathematics emerged gradually through the practical needs of early civilizations and the theoretical explorations of later thinkers. Different cultures developed mathematical concepts and systems independently, then built upon each other's knowledge over time.
Here's a breakdown:
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Early Civilizations (Pre-3000 BCE): Evidence suggests rudimentary counting and geometric concepts were present even before written records. Practical needs like agriculture, construction, and trade likely spurred the development of early mathematical ideas.
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Sumerians (circa 3000 BCE): As the provided text mentions, the Sumerians developed a numerical system based on base 60. Their contributions included advancements in geometry, algebra, and arithmetic. This marks a significant step in formalizing mathematical concepts.
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Egyptians (circa 3000 BCE): Egyptians also developed a number system and practical geometry, largely for land surveying after the annual Nile floods and for the construction of monumental structures like pyramids.
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Babylonians (circa 1800 BCE): Building on Sumerian knowledge, the Babylonians developed a more sophisticated number system, including a place-value system. They made considerable progress in algebra and solved quadratic equations.
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Greeks (circa 600 BCE onwards): The Greeks, like Pythagoras and Euclid, were pivotal in transforming mathematics from a practical tool into a theoretical science. They emphasized deductive reasoning and proof, laying the foundation for modern mathematical thought. Euclid's Elements is a cornerstone of geometry.
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Other Civilizations: Civilizations in India, China, and Mesoamerica also made significant independent contributions to mathematics, including advancements in algebra, trigonometry, and number theory.
In conclusion, mathematics wasn't "discovered" by one person or culture. It's a collective human endeavor that has grown incrementally across diverse societies over thousands of years. Key early contributors include the Sumerians, Egyptians, Babylonians, and Greeks, among many others.
