This page was first published on the 12th of January, 2017 and last updated on the 12th of January, 2017 by Patrick Carpen.
Mathematics was born out of the human ability to, as they say, “put two and two together”. Throughout history, humans have been able to recognize patterns which are fixed and unchanging and which can be used to accurately predict a result. For example, we know that two and two equals four. Therefore, we are able to predict that four plus four equals eight.
We know that if we cut a cake in twelve equal parts, one piece is equal to one-twelfth of the whole cake. Therefore, we conclude that one month is one-twelfth of the length of a year.
The Greeks were the first to recognize, observe and write down the most primitive rules of geometry. The Arabs were the first to “invent” algebra. Throughout history, humans built on the knowledge of previous generations and compounded their knowledge of mathematics.
Today, we are able to send rockets into outer space, build advanced computer programs and use GPS, thanks in great part to our knowledge of mathematics.