algebra is a mathimatical system
2007-10-24 05:42:03 · 6 answers · asked by chutes_44 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Al- is a Moorish prefix...
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I went to look up the etymology of the word "algebra (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/algebra). It seems I was on the right track with "al-" indicating Moorish roots. The Moors were an Arab people who conquered Spain for a time. This was a time when Arab culture flourished and encouraged scholarly development.
There was a movie, The 13th Warrior, that was based on a fascinating book set in this period. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of the book--perhaps it was the same as the movie. The movie doesn't do justice to the book (but it does justice to Antonio Banderas).
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I found the book. Michael Crichton wrote it and it was originally titled "Eaters of the Dead" and later "The 13th Warrior".
2007-10-24 05:45:33 · answer #1 · answered by DWRead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Babylonians
2007-10-24 12:49:03 · answer #2 · answered by gebobs 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Like all of the really important discoveries, it was Babylonian/ Persian/ Sumarian. This region gave birth to maths, physics, literature, dietetics etc. The first great concentrations of humans, therefore cities and all that is required in it.
2007-10-24 12:53:22 · answer #3 · answered by typoifd 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Apparently the Babylonians.
2007-10-24 12:47:28 · answer #4 · answered by BNP 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm guessing the Romans!!!!
2007-10-24 12:49:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We know what algebra is,
and if you don't, you're too
young to be answering this
question anyway.
2007-10-24 12:46:48 · answer #6 · answered by jonasbrothers.lover 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋