THEME:THE DECIMAL NUMBER SYSTEM AND AL KHWARIZMI’S CONTRIBUTION TO MATHEMATICS
Keywords:
: decimal number system, base ten, positional notation, zero, Al Khwarizmi, algebra, algorithm, arithmetic, history of mathematics.Abstract
The decimal number system is one of the most important foundations
of modern mathematics. Its positional structure, use of ten digits, and incorporation of
zero make numerical representation and arithmetic efficient and systematic. This
article examines the principles and historical development of the base-ten positional
system and discusses the major mathematical contributions of Muhammad ibn Musa
al-Khwarizmi. Particular attention is given to his role in transmitting and explaining
Hindu arithmetic, his systematic treatment of algebra in al-Kitab al-Mukhtasar fi Hisab
al-Jabr wal-Muqabala, and the historical development of the terms algebra and
algorithm. The article also considers the long-term influence of Al-Khwarizmi’s works
on mathematics, education, astronomy, computation, and modern computer science.
References
1. Al-Khwarizmi, The Algebra of Mohammed ben Musa, English translation
by F. Rosen, London, 1831.
2. J. L. Berggren, Episodes in the Mathematics of Medieval Islam, Springer.
3. V. J. Katz, A History of Mathematics: An Introduction, Pearson.
4. C. B. Boyer and U. C. Merzbach, A History of Mathematics, Wiley.
5. R. Rashed, The Development of Arabic Mathematics: Between Arithmetic
and Algebra, Springer.
6. J. J. O’Connor and E. F. Robertson, MacTutor History of Mathematics
Archive: Al-Khwarizmi.
7. Encyclopaedia Britannica, Al-Khwarizmi: Muslim Mathematician and
Astronomer.
