In: Advanced Math
How important is the use of an appropriate system of symbols to the development of a branch of mathematics?
Mathematics is a branch of science, which deals with numbers and
their operations. It involves
calculation, computation, solving of problems etc. Its dictionary
meaning states that, ‘Mathematics is
the science of numbers and space’ or ‘Mathematics is the science of
measurement, quantity and
magnitude’. It is exact, precise, systematic and a logical
subject.
In rhetoric times the most of the math was done by discussion and arguments.The 6 volumes of Euclid’s elements have no symbols in it to describe behaviors of properties at all except for the geometric objects. The symbols of arithmetic: =, +, -, X, ÷ were created in the 15th and 16th centuries which most people hard to believe. Due to lack of symbols mathematics didn't developed fast during that time. After that time symbols were introduced and then representations, writing expressions and algebraic manipulations were became easy and interesting.
Now due to appropriate use and inventions of symbols made mathematics more stronger than ever and it plays an important role in the development of modern mathematics.