Aquarian
Member
- Oct 16, 2003
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Originally posted by Big D
I wonder what the creations or complishments of blacks were before comming in contact with whites?
http://www.newsmax.com/articles/?a=1999/12/15/53812
maybe mathematics itself?
In Babylonia mathematics developed from 2000 BC. Earlier a place value notation number system had evolved over a lengthy period with a number base of 60. It allowed arbitrarily large numbers and fractions to be represented and so proved to be the foundation of more high powered mathematical development.
Number problems such as that of the Pythagorean triples (a,b,c) with a2+b2 = c2 were studied from at least 1700 BC. Systems of linear equations were studied in the context of solving number problems. Quadratic equations were also studied and these examples led to a type of numerical algebra.
Geometric problems relating to similar figures, area and volume were also studied and values obtained for p.
The Babylonian basis of mathematics was inherited by the Greeks and independent development by the Greeks began from around 450 BC. Zeno of Elea's paradoxes led to the atomic theory of Democritus . A more precise formulation of concepts led to the realisation that the rational numbers did not suffice to measure all lengths. A geometric formulation of irrational numbers arose. Studies of area led to a form of integration.
from: http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/HistTopics/History_overview.html