Minggu, 26 Juni 2011

The History of Calculus

By Molly Webster


The calculus learned nowadays is described as the mathematical study of limits, functions, derivatives, integrals, and infinite series, but; calculus was not always as highly developed and complicated. The lengthy history of calculus traces all the way back to ancient Greece.

The ancient Greeks had been extremely advanced in their mathematical skills. The Greeks developed calculus to solve the values of "holes". They perceived numbers as ratios of integers. This understanding caused the Greeks to think that there had been "holes" within the number line. To solve for the unknown "holes," the Greeks developed a method of lengths and volumes, which became the first step toward the calculus we know right now.

In 450 BC, Greek philosopher, Zeno of Elea advanced ancient calculus, by creating a series of problems based on the infinite. Zeno's paradoxes asserted that motion is impossible. His function articulated the notion of paradoxes and also the infinitesimals that they generate, thus advancing the ideals behind calculus.

In 370 BC, calculus developed further using the approach of exhaustion. Greek mathematicians, Antiphon and Exodus formulated the method of exhaustion. The technique of exhaustion calculates the location and volume of regions and solids by categorizing them into an infinite quantity of frequent shapes. Archimedes of Syracuse improved upon this technique by creating heuristic techniques, that are still resembled in today's strategies.

Probably the most crucial step towards present day calculus began independently by both Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibniz. Prior to Newton and Leibniz, the definition of calculus was a general term, referring to any form of mathematics.

Both mathematician studied calculus throughout the Hellenistic period. When they were living, Newton and Leibniz were rivals, battling for the title over who first invented calculus. Although they were rivals, the men perceived calculus in varying methods, each providing equally vital contributions to the development of modern day calculus.

Newton studied calculus with regards to physics and geometry. He perceived it as a mathematical thought for the generation of motion and magnitudes. Newton founded the idea for the derivative of a function .

Leibniz studies related to tangents and slopes. He deemed calculus a metaphysical evidence of change. He developed the symbol , representing the integral. Leibniz also identified the derivative of a function y of the variable x as dy/dx.

Together, the mathematicians explained and transformed ancient concepts and studies of calculus into what exactly is referred to as infinitesimal calculus. Infinitesimal calculus relates to the solution of slopes of curves, areas beneath curves, maxima and minima along with other geometric and analytical functions. Infinitesimal calculus is the approach of contemporary calculus studied and applied these days.




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