The Story of Maths (2008)
The Story of Maths is a four-part British television series that unravels the fascinating history of mathematics.
Written and presented by University of Oxford professor Marcus du Sautoy, this documentary takes us on a voyage through time and across cultures, revealing how mathematical ideas underpin our world’s science, technology, and culture.
The Language of the Universe:
Marcus du Sautoy begins in ancient Egypt, where practical mathematics was essential for recording seasonal patterns and calculating land area for taxation.
The Egyptians used a decimal system based on their fingers, and their method for multiplication and division was unique.
Moving to Babylon, we discover the origins of our timekeeping system—the Babylonian 60-base number system. Thanks to them, we have 60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in an hour.
Du Sautoy explores quadratic equations used by the Babylonians to measure their land. Their mathematical legacy still resonates today.
The Genius of the East:
Our journey takes us to Mesopotamia, Greece, India, China, and the medieval Middle East. Each civilization contributed to mathematical progress.
In Greece, Pythagoras and Euclid laid the foundations for geometry, while Indian mathematicians developed the concept of zero and the decimal system.
Chinese scholars made significant strides in algebra and trigonometry, shaping the mathematical landscape.
The Frontiers of Space:
Du Sautoy dives into the medieval Middle East, where scholars preserved and expanded upon ancient knowledge. Algebra, algorithms, and trigonometry flourished.
We explore the works of luminaries like Al-Khwarizmi and Ibn al-Haytham, who paved the way for modern mathematics.
Their contributions resonate in fields like astronomy, navigation, and architecture.
To Infinity and Beyond:
Our mathematical odyssey concludes with a look at current mathematics. Du Sautoy discusses unsolved problems, including the Riemann hypothesis.
The unproven hypothesis, with a $1,000,000 prize from the Clay Mathematics Institute, challenges mathematicians worldwide.
From ancient Egypt to cutting-edge research, mathematics remains a thread that unfolds across time and cultures.
In conclusion, The Story of Maths embarks on an exploration of human ingenuity and the world of numbers. It’s a reminder to the enduring power of mathematical ideas
