Joseph D.

Valiao BSED Math

REFLECTION ON THE THREE DOCUMENTARY VIDEOS

BBC DOCUMENTARY THE STORY OF MATHS 2 – THE GENIUS OF THE EAST

Mathematical contributions mentioned:

1. Decimal Place-Value System: The ancient Chinese established the decimal place-value system
through the utilization of counting rods. The system resulted in more accessible arithmetic
computation, but it also laid the basis for the numerical symbols that are still in use nowadays.
2. Counting Rods For Computation: With the implementation of bamboo rods to represent numbers,
ancient Chinese mathematicians performed computations. It simplified simple arithmetic
calculation and was a precursor to the written numeral systems we use today
3. Magic Squares: The concept of magic squares, where the sum of the numbers in every row,
column, and diagonal is the same, resonates with the interest of ancient Chinese for numerical
patterns and mystical properties.
4. Chinese Remainder Theorem: This is a way for solving congruent problems systematically. The
theorem enables mathematicians to find an answer to a number given its remainders when
divided by several integers.
5. Qin Jiushao Method for Cubic Equations: Techniques for solving cubic equations were instituted
by Qin Jiushao who made use of an iterative iteration to guess the solution values. His work has
had a strong influence on the developments and changing faces of algebra.
6. Zero Invention
The Indian minds pioneered the birth of zero as a number. It shifted zero from being a
placeholder of an unknown value or a missing value to a base in arithmetic operations, making it
possible to perform higher arithmetics.
7. Negative Numbers
Introducing zero to Indian mathematics provided for a better understanding of equations and their
solutions that opened wider mathematical problems to address.
8. Brahmagupta Rules on Zero: Brahmagupta provided essential rules when arithmetic operations
involve zero, such as one plus zero equals one, and one minus zero is equal to one. Modern
Mathematics considered these features very fundamental.
9. Solutions for Quadratic Equations: Brahmagupta solved quadratic equations - with two
unknowns, which opened doors to further developments in algebra.
10. Trigonometry and Sine Function: Indian mathematicians expanded the branch of trigonometry,
especially on sine function, for geometric, astronomical, scientific and engineering applications.
11. Madhava's Infinite Series: In the course of these, Madhava found infinite series that could be used
to find pi and trigonometric functions and showed one of the first comprehensions of calculus
concepts before calculus was formalized in Europe.
12. Al-Khwarizmi's Algebra: He is also credited with the name father of algebra, Al-Khwarizmi's
work provided systematic approaches to solving equations which paved the way to establishing
algebra as a separate mathematical science. The word 'algebra' itself is derived from the title he
called his book on algebra - 'Kitab al-mukhtasar fi hisab al-jabr wa'l muqabala'.
 13. Omar Khayyam's Cubic Equations: Khayyam made significant steps to solve cubic equations and
to investigate their properties and mutual relationships, which also contributed in the
development of algebraic methods.
14. Fibonacci's Introduction of Hindu-Arabic Numerals: Fibonacci popularised in Europe the use of
the Hindu-Arabic numeral system, a method which facilitated calculation enormously and meant
an end to the cumbersome system of Roman numerals.
15. The Fibonacci Sequence: The Fibonacci number is the sum of the previous two, and this subject
matter has fascinated students who take an interest in biology, art, and finance.
16. Cardano's and Tartaglia's Solution to Cubic Equations: Tartaglia succeeded in solving a specific
cubic equation. Later, Cardano published the work of Tartaglia. This greatly helped algebra.
17. Ferrari's Solution of Quartic Equation: Ferrari further developed the theory of cubic equations and
generalized its results to the quartic case, providing for solving the higher-degree polynomial
equations, which further improved algebraic methodology

REFLECTION:

Mathematics is part of the ever-changing global conversation beyond politics, time, and geographics that
really points out how rich and diverse the history of mathematics is across different cultures and through
time. It is a remarkable image to think about how the development and propagation of mathematical
knowledge have been interdependent, step by step progressions upon, and refinements of others' efforts
by successive civilizations.

The ancient Chinese contributions show how there was a very applied use of mathematics in their
development. Indeed, they had developed systems, like the decimal place-value and counting rods, which
helped to greatly simplify calculations. Much of their work displays an interest in number patterns and
properties, such as in their work on magic squares and the Chinese remainder theorem.

The Indian mathematicians made some crucial conceptual breakthroughs, especially with the
development of zero as a number and work in negative numbers. Their work in trigonometry and infinite
series was centuries ahead of its time and not again found in the West until centuries later.

This is an age when, during the Islamic Golden Age, algebra was born, and work was carried further with
equations, which indicated how language and abstraction in mathematics were emerging. Important work
by scholars such as Al-Khwarizmi and Omar Khayyam paved the way for future development.

Finally, the European Renaissance was the time of rapid progress, solving mathematicians the long-
standing problems of cubic and quartic equations. Fibonacci introduced to Europe Hindu-Arabic numerals
that, gradually, became a key element in spreading mathematical knowledge throughout.

Ancients in China, India, and the Islamic world created the very foundations of much of the mathematics
we use today, from algebra to number theory, through their early breakthroughs. Unique societal needs-
facilitated circumstances, whether it was trade, building something, or looking up at the heavens-
influenced each society's mathematical discoveries. As these ideas crept westward, they found new
problems and new solutions that culminated in our modern mathematics. Acknowledging these diverse
contributions is important so one can gain a full history of mathematics and how the world's intellectual
history is quite interconnected. This history shows that mathematics is a very global activity, with crucial
contributions coming in through an enormous number of cultures. It also illustrates how ideas in
mathematics can lie dormant for thousands of years before being rediscovered and expanded highlighting
the cumulative nature of mathematical knowledge.

BBC DOCUMENTARY THE STORY OF MATHS 3 – THE FRONTIERS OF SPACE

Mathematical contributions mentioned:

1. Perspective Geometry by Piero della Francesca: Piero della Francesca was an innovator in the use
of perspective in painting. Perspective is a mathematical technique for depicting three-
dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface. With that understanding of perspective, he
was able to bring "The Flagellation of Christ" and other paintings to life by giving them depth.
2. Analytic Geometry by René Descartes: Descartes introduced a revolutionary method to link
algebra and geometry, where geometrical shapes could be written in equations. It was upon this
basis that mathematicians approached solutions to problems found in the field of geometry by an
algebraic method, which is what shifted the face of mathematics entirely.
3. Binary System and Calculating Machines by Gottfried Leibniz: Leibniz also is said to have
played a part in the development of the binary number system and the way the present computer
is set. Calculating machines were also invented by Leibniz on a binary system; this way, it paved
its course for further utilization of technology.
4. Calculation by Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibniz Both Newton and Leibniz then separately
formulated calculus, an area of mathematics concerning rates of change and accumulation of
quantities. Their work in turn supplied the resources necessary to understand motion, change, and
growth both in physics and engineering.
5. Number Theory and Prime Number Patterns by Carl Friedrich Gauss: He also made spectacular
contributions to number theory, particularly to prime numbers and their distribution. His findings
and his technique laid down the foundations for the whole issue and continue to influence
mathematical minds of successive generations.
6. Complex Numbers and Their Geometric Representation by Gauss: Gauss considerably
contributed to the theory of complex numbers and gave a geometric interpretation of the same. He
represented complex numbers in a two-dimensional plane and is used almost universally in
mathematics today .
7. Non-Euclidean (Hyperbolic) Geometry by János Bolyai and Nikolai Lobachevsky: Bolyai and
Lobachevsky discovered hyperbolic geometry, thus giving the blow to the prevalent notion of a
valid geometry only being Euclidean. They advanced the world of geometries where triangles'
angles sum up to less than 180 degrees by learning more about the space around us.
 8. Elliptic Functions : Gauss's diary : Gauss's exploration of elliptic functions has contributed
greatly to understanding complex functions and their usage in diverse areas of mathematics, such
as geometry and number theory.
9. Riemann Zeta Function in the diary of Gauss: The Riemann zeta function is a complex function
which is of great importance in number theory, especially in the prime numbers distribution. It
has led to very important advancements in mathematics.
10. Fourier Analysis by Joseph Fourier: Fourier introduced the idea of representing functions as sums
of sine and cosine waves, which is pivotal in signal processing, heat transfer, and many other
applications.
11. Calculus of Variations by the Bernoulli Family : The Bernoulli family has contributed quite
notably to the calculus of variations. Optimizing functionals is what the calculus of variations
deals with. A very basic work, of course, is set up in physics and engineering since optimization
problems are ubiquitous.
12. Topology and Analysis by Leonhard Euler: Euler's work was the basis of topology and analysis,
studies of mathematics regarding the properties of space as well as the behavior of functions.
Some of the contributions of Euler include connectedness and continuity.
13. Mathematical Notation (e, i, π) Due to Euler: He set much of the mathematical notation in use
today, including symbols for the base of natural logarithms, the imaginary unit, and the ratio of a
circle's circumference to its diameter.
14. Euler's Identity: e^(iπ) + 1 = 0: This one famous equation is called Euler's identity, linking five
basic mathematical constants into one breath-taking and elegant way, generally showing deep
relationships that hold among different areas of mathematics.
15. Multi-Dimensional Geometry by Bernhard Riemann: Riemann generalized geometry into higher
dimensions. He introduced the concept of higher-dimensional spaces. His work forms the basis of
modern geometry. It provides solutions in physics and other areas.
16. Foundations of Einstein's Theory of Relativity Laid by Riemann's Work: Einstein was highly
enlightened by Riemann's work about geometry and space, insights that framed his later theories
concerning relativity and changed our understanding and perception of space, time, and gravity.

Reflection:

The great strides mathematics took in the 17th to 19th centuries, primarily in Europe. It is amazing how
much of modern mathematics was constructed during those scant few centuries. Much of the knowledge
of the universe as it is now known, and technological innovation, was derived through work done by these
mathematicians.
What's particularly fascinating is that these discoveries was built upon one another; later mathematicians
often take the work of their predecessors and extend it even further. The development from Descartes'
analytic geometry to Riemann's multi-dimensional spaces illustrates how mathematical thought developed
to embrace increasingly abstract ideas.
Another interesting aspect is how some of these findings-consider, for example, non-Euclidean geometry
or complex numbers-seemed to be merely theoretical at the time but later turned out to be useful in
physics and engineering. This really underlines the unpredictability of mathematical research and its
eventual impact on science and technology.
BBC DOCUMENTARY THE STORY OF MATHS 4 – TO INFINITY AND BEYOND

Mathematical contributions mentioned:

1. Georg Cantor's Work on Infinity and Set Theory: First, at the end of the 19th century, Georg
Cantor rigorously defined and set out to explore the concept of infinity, showing that not all
infinities were equal. In doing so he presented to the world the concept of different sizes of
infinity and developed set theory which eventually became an integral part of modern
mathematics.

2. David Hilbert's 23 Problems for the 20th Century: During the International Congress of
Mathematicians in 1900, Hilbert presented a list of 23 unsolved problems. Such problems had set
the agenda for research in mathematics for the twentieth century, encouraging mathematicians to
pose and solve the very foundation questions for them across fields.

3. Henri Poincaré and Topology: The Poincaré Conjecture, Poincaré contributed rich ideas in
topology, a field of mathematics whose main concerns are the properties of space that remain
invariant under continuous transformations. His conjecture on the characterization of three-
dimensional spheres was only solved in 2003.

4. Kurt Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem: In the groundbreaking theorem proved by Gödel, he

showed that there are statements within any formal system that are true but can never be proved
to be true within the said system. Such a result was outstandingly interesting for the philosophy of
mathematics and the limitations of formal reasonings.

5. Work done by Cohen with regard to the Continuum Hypothesis: Cohen demonstrated that the
Continuum Hypothesis, which asserts that there is no set of size strictly between that of integers
and real numbers, cannot be proved in any first-order extension of Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory
with the axiom of choice. He consequently proved the independence of the hypothesis from

6. Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory. In order to achieve this, Robinson addressed Hilbert's Tenth
Problem that asks whether there is an effective general algorithm determining the solvability of
any given polynomial equation in integers. She really helped to understand what the problem was
and what it meant for number theory.

7. Yuri Matiyasevich's Solution of Hilbert's Tenth Problem: A decade later, Matiyasevich finally
completed work on Hilbert's Tenth Problem by demonstrating that no such algorithm exists. His
proof linked the problem to recursive functions and showed a strong connection between logic
and number theory.

8. Évariste Galois' Work on Group Theory and Solvability of Equations

Galois introduced group theory, one of the greatest offspring of the algebraic legacy. With it, the
solutions to polynomial equations were told when they exist and in terms of which radicals they
are expressed. The world of algebra was dramatically revolutionized.
 9. André Weil's contribution to Algebraic Geometry: Weil was one of the important contributors to
algebraic geometry that deals with the geometric properties of solutions of polynomial equations.
His work provided crucial links between algebra and geometry along with number theory.

10. Nicolas Bourbaki's (Collective Pseudonym) Work on Unifying Mathematics: Bourbaki is a

collective pseudonym for the group of mathematicians who aimed to reformulate mathematics on
an extremely abstract and formal basis. His work produced a series of texts that attempt at
unification of many branches of mathematics.

11. Alexandre Grothendieck's Work on Algebraic Geometry and Category Theory: He introduced
schemes and topos theory which in itself revolutionized algebraic geometry. His work gave a
powerful framework for understanding geometric objects and their relationships and influenced
many areas of mathematics.

12. Work on Bernhard Riemann: On Geometry and the Riemann Hypothesis

He made principal contributions in differential geometry as well as complex analysis. Perhaps the
most renowned unsolved hypothesis has to be the Riemann Hypothesis, which is one of the
biggest open problems in mathematics and falls related to the distribution of prime numbers.

Reflection:

The fundamental changes in mathematical thinking during the 20th century where center of interest
started to shift more and more from solving specific problems toward developing new frameworks and
languages to better understand mathematical structures.
For instance, Cantor's work on infinity and set theory threw open entirely new areas of totally new
mathematical investigations. Hilbert's problems shaped much of the agenda for 20th-century mathematics
and inspired successive generations of mathematicians to face the basic questions.
Development of abstract algebra and topology, initiated by Poincaré and followed by Galois, was
indicative of how mathematics started to become abstract: dealing with generalized structures rather than
concrete numbers or shapes.
Gödel's incompleteness theorem is an important result that shakes the foundations of mathematics and
throws light on certain limitations of formal systems. Such insights into mathematical truth and
provability introduce new perspectives into mathematics.
In fact, the Bourbaki group is an embodiment of a trend toward unification and standardization in
mathematics - a kind of effort to create a universal language and structure for the various fields of
mathematics.
The effort of long-standing problems like the Continuum Hypothesis and Hilbert's Tenth Problem shows
how questions have been persistent in mathematics while new tools and perspectives have developed to
look at them.
Grothendieck's work might represent the apogee of abstraction in the mathematics of the 20th century,
with a breakthrough that reaches with incredibly powerful new frameworks to unify disparate parts of
mathematics and open up new lines of attack.
Overall, the documentary reflect a century of momentous change in mathematics that has made it ever
more abstract, generated new foundational approaches, and created powerful theories with which to unify
its fields. They also reflect international mathematical research, with important contributions being made
in many countries and often work building on work from around the world.