Indian Mathematics

1000 B.C. - 1000 A.D.

By: Amanda Nees
 Introduction
• The roots of Indian mathematics are held
within Vedic literature. Vedic literature is
nearly 4000 years old. Indian mathematics
was founded between the years of 1000
B.C.and 1000 A.D. Indian mathematics
include the concept of zero, the techniques
of algebra and algorithum, geometry, and
the decimal system.
 Discoveries
• The Concept of Zero
• The Techniques of Algebra and Algorithm
• Geometry
• The Square Root
• The Decimal System
 Concept of Zero
• The discovery of zero was said to be an odd
discovery due to the fact that when other
discoveries were made they represented a
tangible object. Zero is unique because it
represents something in which we do not
have.
• Created in 2000B.C.
 Zero Continued
• In ancient India zero was represented by a
dot.
• The term for zero was Pujyam.
• Another term for zero was Shunyam which
meant blank.
• Zero now made it possible to note higher
numerals with limited characters
 Brahmagupta

• Credited for the concept of zero

• Ancient India astronomer
• Born in 598 A.D. at Bhillamala
 Bhaskara

• Born in 1114 A.D. and died in 1185 A.D.

• He was the first to discover:
– that any number divided by zero was infinity
– that the sum of any number and infinity is also
infinity.
 Algorithm and Algebra

• Developed by:Aryabhata and Bhaskara

• The technique of calculation
• Today it is used to design software
programs
• They obtained number solutions to linear
equations by the method we still use today.
 Geometry

• The Indians used geometry to construct

temples and alters.
• They authored Rekha Ganita (line
computation) and Sulva Sutras (rule of the
chord)
• Baudhayana authored the Sulbasutra which
was a construction manual for geometric
shapes.
 Square Root
• Founded by Apastamba
• He found the exact value of the square root
of two
• He obtained the accurate value up to five
decimal places.
 Apastamba

• Born in 600 B.C. and died in 500 B.C.

• He is well known for his Sulbasutra. In the
Sulbasutra he gave the accurate value for
the square root of two.
• Apastamba’s sulbasutra was developed later
than Braushayana. Historians can’t
accurately put dates on Apastamba and his
works. This is why he is so famous.
 Decimal System

• They developed the decimal system up to

three decimal places.
• Later they used their discovery to aid in the
construction of roads. They used it to plan
road widths and make them perpendicular.
 Indian Number System
• The Indians used the Brahmi system. This
number system has been found on cave
walls and on coins.
 Timeline
• About 600BC- Apastamba writes the most
interesting Indian Sulbasutra from a
mathematical point of view.
• About 800BC- Baudhayana is the author of
one of the earliest of the Indian Sulbasutras.
• About 2000BC- Harappans adopt a uniform
decimal system of weights and measures.
• About 2000BC they discovered the concept
of zero.
• About 25000BC- Early geometric designs
used
 Summary
• The Indians play a key role in the history of
our mathematics we know today. Over
time we have discovered more and more of
the Indian advancements in mathematics.
Continuing to study the Indians may allow
more discoveries to unfold. The Indians
successes will not be forgotten.
 Bibliography
• http://o3.indiatimes.com/kaak/archive/2005/
09/26/266712.aspx
• http://hindutva.org/sudheer_birokar/
india_contribution/maths.html
• http://www.ilovemaths.com/ind_mathe.htm
 Bibliography Continued
• http://www.groups.dcs.st-and.ac.u/
~history/HistTopics/
Indian_mathematics.html
• http://www.crystalinks.com/
indiamathematics.html
• http://www-gap.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/
Chronology/full.html