Last Updated on October 11, 2023 by Editorial Team
Al–Khwarizmi invented Algebra in the 18th century and its modern treatise was penned by a Dutch Mathematician Bartel van der Waerden in 1930. Since then, this subject has become a matter of discussion for all mathematicians. From those discussions and speeches made by the math experts, several interesting quotes emerged. In this post, we have curated a few of the most thought-provoking as well as funny ones. Let’s take a look.
Famous quotes on algebra
1. Jean le Rond d’Alembert’s quote
Jean le Rond d’Alembert was a French mathematician. He had his say in various other fields such as physics, mechanics, music, and philosophy too. He quoted:
Algebra is generous; she often gives more than is asked of her
-Quoted in Bulletin American Mathematical Society, 1905
2. Antoine-Augustin Cournot’s quote on Algebraic Notation
Antoine-Augustin Cournot was a French mathematician and economist. The quote was written in French in 1838 in the work titled Recherches sur les Principes Mathématiques de la Théorie des Richesses.
Anyone who understands algebraic notation, reads at a glance in an equation results reached arithmetically only with great labour and pains.
– Preface of Researches Into Mathematical Principles of the Theory of Wealth in 1897 by Nathaniel T. Bacon.
3. Count Joseph-Louis de Lagrange’s Quote
Count Joseph-Louis de Lagrange was a giant force and a self-taught scientist in the field of mathematics. He made valuable contributions to the fields of Algebra, Mathematics, Calculus, and Celestial Mechanics. His quote on Algebra reflects its deep connection with another branch of mathematics, Geometry.
As long as algebra and geometry proceeded along separate paths, their advance was slow and their applications limited. But when these sciences joined company, they drew from each other fresh vitality and thenceforward marched on at a rapid pace toward perfection.
Cited in Memorabilia Mathematica
4. W. Whewell’s Algebra Quote
W.Whewell was a decorated English polymath who was known for his work in the field of the theory of induction and his philosophy on Ethics.
These sciences, Geometry, Theoretical Arithmetic and Algebra, have no principles besides definitions and axioms, and no process of proof but deduction; this process, however, assuming a most remarkable character; and exhibiting a combination of simplicity and complexity, of rigour and generality, quite unparalleled in other subjects. —Whewell, W.
Quoted in The Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences
5. Young J.W.A. Algebra Quote on Mathematics with Symbols
Young J.W.A. is the author of Appleton Arithmetic books. He has about 68 works to his credit. His Algebra quote on maths with symbols is cited several times. It speaks perfectly about the role algebra plays in
The training which mathematics gives in working with symbols is an excellent preparation for other sciences; … the world’s work requires constant mastery of symbols. – Young J.W.A
The Teaching of Mathematics (New York, 1907), p. 42.
6. George Chrystal’s Algebra Quote
George Chrystal was a Scottish mathematician who did commendable work in the field of Algebra. In this quote, he expresses concern over Algebra losing its relevance due to mindless teaching and assessing methods.
“The logic of the subject [algebra], which, both educationally and scientifically speaking, is the most important part of it, is wholly neglected. The whole training consists in example grinding. What should have been merely the help to attain the end has become the end itself. The result is that algebra, as we teach it, is neither an art nor a science, but an ill-digested farrago of rules, whose object is the solution of examination problems…. The result, so far as problems worked in examinations go, is, after all, very miserable, as the reiterated complaints of examiners show; the effect on the examinee is a well-known enervation of mind, an almost incurable superficiality, which might be called Problematic Paralysis—a disease which unfits a man to follow an argument extending beyond the length of a printed octavo page.” – Chrystal, George
Presidential Address British Association for the Advancement of Science, 1885, Nature Vol 32
7. Algebra Quote by Sophie Germaine
Sophie Germaine was a French mathematician and physicist. Though never encouraged by others, she cultivated self-learning methods and emerged as one of the most noted mathematicians and philosophers of her time. Her quote on algebra captures the correct essence of this math branch in relation to geometry.
Algebra is but written geometry and geometry is but written algebra. -Sophie Germain
Source
Wrapping up,
Mathematicians research, reflect, and share their hard-learned experiences in the form of quotes. That is why these are no less than a wholesome resource for building an understanding of the subject and its relevance. Sometimes, there may not be a practical implication, but these are sure to develop a perspective if not helpful in establishing a dogma or hypothesis.
An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’,