Algebra, branch of mathematics in which arithmetical operations and formal manipulations are applied to abstract symbols rather than specific numbers. The notion that there exists such a distinct discipline of mathematics, as well as the term algebra to denote it, resulted from a slow historical development. This article presents that history, tracing the evolution over time of the concept of the equation, number systems, symbols for conveying and manipulating mathematical statements, and the modern abstract structural view of algebra. Perhaps the most basic notion in mathematics is the equation, a formal statement that two sides of a mathematical expression are equal—as in the simple equation x + 3 = 5 and that both sides of the equation can be simultaneously manipulated (by adding, dividing, taking roots, and so on to both sides) in order to “solve” the equation. Yet, as simple and natural as such a notion may appear today, its acceptance first required the development of numerous mathematical ideas, each of which took time to mature. In fact, it took until the late 16th century to consolidate the modern concept of an equation as a single mathematical entity. Three main threads in the process leading to development of Algebra are Solution Algebra, branch of mathematics in which arithmetical operations and formal manipulations are applied to abstract symbols rather than specific numbers. The notion that there exists such a distinct discipline of mathematics, as well as the term algebra to denote it, resulted from a slow historical development. This article presents that history, tracing the evolution over time of the concept of the equation, number systems, symbols for conveying and manipulating mathematical statements, and the modern abstract structural view of algebra. Perhaps the most basic notion in mathematics is the equation, a formal statement that two sides of a mathematical expression are equal—as in the simple equation x + 3 = 5 and that both sides of the equation can be simultaneously manipulated (by adding, dividing, taking roots, and so on to both sides) in order to “solve” the equation. Yet, as simple and natural as such a notion may appear today, its acceptance first required the development of numerous mathematical ideas, each of which took time to mature. In fact, it took until the late 16th century to consolidate the modern concept of an equation as a single mathematical entity. Three main threads in the process leading to development of Algebra are.

1. Algebra, branch of mathematics in which arithmetical operations and formal manipulations are
applied to abstract symbols rather than specific numbers. The notion that there exists such a
distinct discipline of mathematics, as well as the term algebra to denote it, resulted from a slow
historical development. This article presents that history, tracing the evolution over time of the
concept of the equation, number systems, symbols for conveying and manipulating mathematical
statements, and the modern abstract structural view of algebra.
Perhaps the most basic notion in mathematics is the equation, a formal statement that two sides
of a mathematical expression are equal—as in the simple equation x + 3 = 5 and that both sides
of the equation can be simultaneously manipulated (by adding, dividing, taking roots, and so on
to both sides) in order to “solve” the equation. Yet, as simple and natural as such a notion may
appear today, its acceptance first required the development of numerous mathematical ideas,
each of which took time to mature. In fact, it took until the late 16th century to consolidate the
modern concept of an equation as a single mathematical entity.
Three main threads in the process leading to development of Algebra are
Solution
Algebra, branch of mathematics in which arithmetical operations and formal manipulations are
applied to abstract symbols rather than specific numbers. The notion that there exists such a
distinct discipline of mathematics, as well as the term algebra to denote it, resulted from a slow
historical development. This article presents that history, tracing the evolution over time of the
concept of the equation, number systems, symbols for conveying and manipulating mathematical
statements, and the modern abstract structural view of algebra.
Perhaps the most basic notion in mathematics is the equation, a formal statement that two sides
of a mathematical expression are equal—as in the simple equation x + 3 = 5 and that both sides
of the equation can be simultaneously manipulated (by adding, dividing, taking roots, and so on
to both sides) in order to “solve” the equation. Yet, as simple and natural as such a notion may
appear today, its acceptance first required the development of numerous mathematical ideas,
each of which took time to mature. In fact, it took until the late 16th century to consolidate the
modern concept of an equation as a single mathematical entity.
Three main threads in the process leading to development of Algebra are