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Algebra

Algebra is a branch of mathematics that uses variables to solve equations. When solving an algebraic problem, at least one variable will be unknown; Using the numbers and expressions that are given, the unknown variable(s) can be determined. Early Algebra.The history of algebra began in ancient Egypt and Babylon, the Rhind Papyrus, which dates to 1650 В. С. E..provides insight into the types of problems being solved at that time. The Babylonians are credited with solving the first quadratic equation, the Babylonians were also the first people to solve indeterminate equations, in which more than one variable is unknown. The Greek mathematician Diophantus continued the tradition of the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians into the common era. Diophantus is considered the "father of algebra," and he eventually furthered the discipline with his book Arithmetka. In the book he gives many solutions to very difficult indeterminate equations.

By the ninth century, an Egyptian mathematician, Abu Kamil, had stated and proved the basic laws and identities of algebra. In addition, he had solved many problems that were very complicated for his time Medieval Algebra. During medieval times. Islamic mathematicians made great strides in algebra. They were able to discuss high powers of an unknown variable and could work out basic algebraic polynomials. All of this was done without using modern symbolism. In addition, Islamic mathematicians also demonstrated knowledge of the binomial theorem.

The study of algebra went on to become more interdisciplinary as people realized that the fundamental principles could be applied to many different disciplines. Today, algebra continues to be a branch of mathematics that people apply to a wide range of topics. Current Status of Algebra. Today, algebra is an important day-to-day toolkit is not something that is only used in a math course. Algebra can be applied to all types of real-world situations. For example, algebra can be used to figure out how many right answers a person must get on a test to achieve a certain grade.

Vocabulary

to determine	определять
expression	выражения
to provide insight into	дает понимание
to be credited with	приписывать к-л. ч-л.
indeterminate	неопределимый, переменный
to further	продвигать
to state	формулировать, излагать
identity	тождество
complicated	сложный
medieval	средневековый
to make strides	делать успехи
power	степень
range	область, сфера, круг
variable	переменная величина

 

1. Answer the following questions:

1) How can the unknown variables be determined?

2) What types of problems could ancient mathematicians solve?

3) What is the contribution of Diophantus to maths?

4) What principle of math could b applied to many different disciplines?

5) What other professions use algebra and in what way?

6) What is the future of algebra?

 

2. Find in the text English equivalents for the Russian word combinations:

кроме того, применять к разным дисциплинам, неизвестная переменная величина, нерешенные уравнения, излагать законы, современная алгебра, приписывать решение уравнений, продолжать традицию, вычислить сколько правильных ответов, достичь успехов, заказывать продукты, бесчисленные примеры, отвечать (подходить к) нуждам людей, помогать в изучении.

 

3. Fill in the necessary word.

1) In the book he gives many ___ to very different indeterminate ___.

2) Today, algebra ___ to be a branch of mathematics.

3) When companies ___ budgets, algebra is used.

4) It will continue ___ to better suit peoples’s needs.

5) The Babylonians ___ with solving the first ___ equation.

6) An Egyptian mathematician had stated and ___ the basic ___ and ___ of algebra.

 

4. Humor to Fit any occasion. Can you understand it?

He who devotes sixteen hours a day to hard study may become as wise at sixty as he thought himself at twenty.

Mary Wilson Little.

 

 

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