Introduction
Kitab al-mukhtar fi hisab al-jabr wal-muqabala was written by Muhammed ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, a Persian mathematician from Khwarizm. He lived in the c780 to c850 century and was also known as the Father of Algebra. Al Kitab al jabr wal- muqabala is interpreted as the Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing. On the other hand, the word Algebra is derived from Al-jabr, which is termed as the reunion. As one studies or does some calculations in school, the word logarithm is mostly used. Algorithms aids at solving equations and the word are believed to have evolved from the innovator’s name, which is ai-Khwarizmi.
Al-Khwarizmi, in his work and as he came up with algebra, wanted to change from the Chinese and the Indians’ way of solving problems that were the only way that was practiced. He was then encouraged by the idea, and he came up with algebra, a mathematical solution, and language that was appreciated by his fellow mathematicians and is still embraced even in this modern times across the continent. The al KhwarizmiAlgebra is appreciated in this modern time as it enables all the mathematical developments to be achievable (Jankvist et al., 2015). The innovation is till now promoted by mathematical teachers and authors as it has proved to be fascinating and involving for students. Besides, the Persian science of mathematics is appreciated all over the world (Stewart, 2017).
Background
The Kitab al-mukhtar fi hisab al-jabr wal-muqabala is still reflected as the first book written about algebra. Al-Khwarizmi first released the book with only six algebra equations of both the first and second gradations. These equations, which can be quadric or linear, were used to provide solutions when reduced. Algebra was developed to provide a scientific solution for solving court cases, trade, partition, as well as inheritance issues of the Muslims and the Persians (Ajami, 2016). At the time algorithms were invented, it was explicitly used to restore any subtracted amounts when someone is solving for a figure that is not known. Also, any experienced challenges of the logarithm equations to be solved required the operations of conclusion and balancing.
The Developed Algebraic Equation
The algebraic equations involved methods used in rewriting an expression more simply, that is, reduction, as well as moving of a negative amount from one side to another hence changing their signs; this formula is known as completion. The other formula included deducting of equal numbers from each side of an equation and canceling like terms as well from both sides, which is called balancing in the science of mathematics (Rashed, 2014). By using this idea, al-Khwarizmi came up with an equation using quadratics that would solve equations using unknown numbers, which are in the formula of x2 or numbers in the power of 2. In the book, the word unit was used to describe X or a root number and Morabba to describe x2. He defined the natural forms in expressions of squares, which are in present days termed as x2, ordinary numbers, plus roots or x. nevertheless, the six standard forms were identified as, squares equal number (ax2 = c), roots equal number (bx = c), square equal roots (ax2 = bx), squares and roots equal number (ax2 + bx = c), and roots and number equal squares (bx + c = ax2), squares and number equal roots (ax2 + c = bx). However, all al-Kwhwarizmi equations involved whole figures, and the answers were positive figures (Thomas, 2015).
Conclusion
Al- Khwarizmi has achieved so much since he developed algebra as compared to any other mathematical innovator to date. He lived unto the 850 familiar eras, but until this 21st century, his work is still of importance. Al-Khwarizmi made not only great achievements in the mathematical world but also in other in astronomy. He invented an instrument for observing stars or the sun to determine the time. The instrument is known as the first quadrant, and it is the second most used technology after the first, which is called an astrolabe.
Additionally, he also came up with a better version of Ptolemy used in the Geographical field. The new version comprised of coordinates from 2400 cities throughout the world. In conclusion, it is advised that mathematics teachers should enlighten students on the historical background of the logarithms. The practice would be vital as it would enable the students to see the importance of the algebraic equations and relate with the human face of the subject. It would open up many young minds, as most of them do not understand how mathematics can impact one’s life.
References
Ajami, H. (2016). Oneness of Knowledge in Islamic Philosophy. Open Access Library Journal, 3(7), 1-4.
Jankvist, U. T., Mosvold, R., Fauskanger, J., & Jakobsen, A. (2015). Analyzing the use of the history of mathematics through MKT. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 46(4), 495-507.
Rashed, R. (2014). Classical mathematics from al-Khwarizmi to Descartes. Routledge.
Stewart, I. (2017). Significant figures: the lives and work of great mathematicians. New York, NY: Basic Books.
Thomas, W. (2015). Algorithms: From Al-Khwarizmi to Turing and Beyond. In Turing’s Revolution (pp. 29-42). Birkhäuser, Cham.