The Frontiers of Space

From the Genius of the East, mathematics in the seventeenth century spread its power across the west. Europe has become now the source of Mathematical breakthroughs. Mathematics’ role was not just solving the problems of the day but it also provides explanation of the physical phenomena that is happening around us. Marcus de Sautoy unveils the genius behind these Mathematical breakthroughs.

            Mathematics nowadays, is very useful in describing the Physical world of science. It not just provides equations but also aids in explaining physical phenomena. One of its amazing contributions is describing the objects of motion, which unfolded by Isaac Newton. Through his development of calculus, the objects of motion can now be explained, understood and is even used today by engineers. Another mathematician that link mathematics to the Physical world of Science was Rene Descartes. He linked algebra and geometry which allowed mathematical equations to be expressed as geometric shapes in a two dimensional coordinate system. Through his realization, the mathematical discipline became larger and more important. An added mathematical breakthrough was made by Gauss who invented modular arithmetic which is popular in the 12-hour clock, a time convention that is used nowadays. He also described the distribution of prime numbers which helped another mathematician, Bernard Riemann, who developed theories of prime numbers and contributed insights to the properties of objects.

            Through their mathematical breakthroughs, the importance and uses of mathematics widens. Mathematics is now useful not only in solving problems in day to day but it helps in explaining and understanding physical objects and motions that we usually encounter in every day. I was amazed of how broad and how useful mathematics become, its evolution and of the mathematicians’ way of thinking. We were able to benefit of their contributions and it helped us in our everyday lives.