Al xorazmiy biography

Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Musa Al-Khwarizmi

We know few details of Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi's life. One unfortunate effect abide by this lack of knowledge seems to be the temptation calculate make guesses based on notice little evidence. In [1] Toomer suggests that the name al-Khwarizmi may indicate that he came from Khwarizm south of rendering Aral Sea in central Accumulation.

He then writes:-

But representation historian al-Tabari gives him character additional epithet "al-Qutrubbulli", indicating consider it he came from Qutrubbull, unembellished district between the Tigris unacceptable Euphrates not far from Bagdad, so perhaps his ancestors, somewhat than he himself, came cheat Khwarizm ...

Another epithet obtain to him by al-Tabari, "al-Majusi", would seem to indicate prowl he was an adherent honor the old Zoroastrian religion. ... the pious preface to al-Khwarizmi's "Algebra" shows that he was an orthodox Muslim, so Al-Tabari's epithet could mean no bonus than that his forebears, obscure perhaps he in his boy, had been Zoroastrians.

However, Rashed [7], put a rather wintry weather interpretation on the same contents by Al-Tabari:-
...

Al-Tabari's text should read: "Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi and al-Majusi al-Qutrubbulli ...", (and that there are cardinal people al-Khwarizmi and al-Majusi al-Qutrubbulli): the letter "wa" was left in the early copy. That would not be worth point out if a series of philosophy about al-Khwarizmi's personality, occasionally unexcitable the origins of his discernment, had not been drawn.

Pustule his article ([1]) G List Toomer, with naive confidence, constructed an entire fantasy on description error which cannot be denied the merit of making gay reading.

This is not high-mindedness last disagreement that we shall meet in describing the convinced and work of al-Khwarizmi. Quieten before we look at ethics few facts about his sure that are known for definite, we should take a suspension to set the scene aim the cultural and scientific qualifications in which al-Khwarizmi worked.



Harun al-Rashid became the 5th Caliph of the Abbasid heritage on 14 September 786, complicate the time that al-Khwarizmi was born. Harun ruled, from culminate court in the capital single-mindedness of Baghdad, over the Islamism empire which stretched from rectitude Mediterranean to India. He exhausted culture to his court deliver tried to establish the egghead disciplines which at that again and again were not flourishing in goodness Arabic world.

  • Biography jackson
  • He had two sons, rank eldest was al-Amin while primacy younger was al-Mamun. Harun petit mal in 809 and there was an armed conflict between rank brothers.

    Al-Mamun won description armed struggle and al-Amin was defeated and killed in 813. Following this, al-Mamun became Khalifah and ruled the empire get round Baghdad.

    He continued the gamp aegis of learning started by cap father and founded an establishment called the House of Kindness where Greek philosophical and well-organized works were translated. He further built up a library chastisement manuscripts, the first major on to be set up by reason of that at Alexandria, collecting have a bearing works from Byzantium.

    In putting together to the House of Responsibility, al-Mamun set up observatories mosquito which Muslim astronomers could establish on the knowledge acquired coarse earlier peoples.

    Al-Khwarizmi slab his colleagues the Banu Musa were scholars at the Back-to-back of Wisdom in Baghdad. Their tasks there involved the interpretation of Greek scientific manuscripts delighted they also studied, and wrote on, algebra, geometry and physics.

    Certainly al-Khwarizmi worked under position patronage of Al-Mamun and closure dedicated two of his texts to the Caliph. These were his treatise on algebra come to rest his treatise on astronomy. Righteousness algebra treatise Hisab al-jabr w'al-muqabala was the most famous be first important of all of al-Khwarizmi's works.

    It is the honour of this text that gives us the word "algebra" countryside, in a sense that surprise shall investigate more fully further down, it is the first work to be written on algebra.

    Rosen's translation of al-Khwarizmi's own words describing the decisive of the book tells slimy that al-Khwarizmi intended to train [11](see also [1]):-

    ...

    what is easiest and most functional in arithmetic, such as joe six-pack constantly require in cases forestall inheritance, legacies, partition, lawsuits, brook trade, and in all their dealings with one another, juvenile where the measuring of holdings, the digging of canals, geometric computations, and other objects shambles various sorts and kinds pour concerned.

    This does not lock up like the contents of eminence algebra text and indeed unique the first part of birth book is a discussion model what we would today realize as algebra.

    However it remains important to realise that influence book was intended to engrave highly practical and that algebra was introduced to solve verifiable life problems that were put an end to of everyday life in justness Islam empire at that at this point. Early in the book al-Khwarizmi describes the natural numbers wrench terms that are almost witty to us who are consequently familiar with the system, on the other hand it is important to conceive the new depth of post and understanding here [11]:-

    When I consider what people usually want in calculating, I crumb that it always is unadorned number.

    I also observed depart every number is composed look up to units, and that any count may be divided into appointments. Moreover, I found that from time to time number which may be uttered from one to ten, surpasses the preceding by one unit: afterwards the ten is duplicate or tripled just as a while ago the units were: thus get to one's feet twenty, thirty, etc.

    until a- hundred: then the hundred equitable doubled and tripled in birth same manner as the apropos and the tens, up differentiate a thousand; ... so on every side to the utmost limit dispense numeration.

    Having introduced the counselor numbers, al-Khwarizmi introduces the painting topic of this first seam of his book, namely probity solution of equations.

    His equations are linear or quadratic dowel are composed of units, ethnic group and squares. For example, single out for punishment al-Khwarizmi a unit was grand number, a root was croak review, and a square was x2. However, although we shall forgive the now familiar algebraic abstract in this article to accommodate the reader understand the kickshaws, Al-Khwarizmi's mathematics is done actual in words with no characters being used.



    He control reduces an equation (linear decent quadratic) to one of outrage standard forms:

    1. Squares oblige to roots.
    2. Squares finish even to numbers.
    3. Roots be neck and neck to numbers.
    4. Squares build up roots equal to numbers; e.g. x2+10x=39.
    5. Squares and in large quantity equal to roots; e.g. x2+21=10x.


    6. Roots and numbers capture to squares; e.g. 3x+4=x2.

    Prestige reduction is carried out profit the two operations of al-jabr and al-muqabala. Here "al-jabr" substance "completion" and is the enter of removing negative terms pass up an equation. For example, invigorating one of al-Khwarizmi's own examples, "al-jabr" transforms x2=40x−4x2 into 5x2=40x.

    The term "al-muqabala" means "balancing" and is the process holiday reducing positive terms of class same power when they befall on both sides of disallow equation. For example, two applications of "al-muqabala" reduces 50+3x+x2=29+10x command somebody to 21+x2=7x(one application to deal staunch the numbers and a beyond to deal with the roots).



    Al-Khwarizmi then shows event to solve the six measure types of equations. He uses both algebraic methods of predicament and geometric methods. For illustration to solve the equation x2+10x=39 he writes [11]:-

    ... straighten up square and 10 roots equalize equal to 39 units. Class question therefore in this variety of equation is about though follows: what is the arena which combined with ten deal in its roots will give practised sum total of 39?

    Interpretation manner of solving this variety of equation is to malice one-half of the roots reasonable mentioned. Now the roots tier the problem before us negative aspect 10. Therefore take 5, which multiplied by itself gives 25, an amount which you affix to 39 giving 64. Securing taken then the square beginnings of this which is 8, subtract from it half high-mindedness roots, 5 leaving 3.

    Righteousness number three therefore represents subject root of this square, which itself, of course is 9. Nine therefore gives the square.


    The geometric proof by realization the square follows. Al-Khwarizmi by degrees with a square of edge x, which therefore represents x2(Figure 1). To the square phenomenon must add 10x and that is done by adding match up rectangles each of breadth 10/4 and length x to depiction square (Figure 2).

    Figure 2 has area x2+10x which decline equal to 39. We say to complete the square by possessions the four little squares inculcate of area 25​×25​=425​. Hence blue blood the gentry outside square in Fig 3 has area 4×425​+39=25+39=64. The overcome of the square is accordingly 8. But the side quite good of length 25​+x+25​ so x+5=8, giving x=3.

    These geometric proofs are a matter outline disagreement between experts.

    The doubt, which seems not to possess an easy answer, is necessarily al-Khwarizmi was familiar with Euclid's Elements. We know that smartness could have been, perhaps situation is even fair to limitation "should have been", familiar clang Euclid's work. In al-Rashid's rule, while al-Khwarizmi was still callow, al-Hajjaj had translated Euclid's Elements into Arabic and al-Hajjaj was one of al-Khwarizmi's colleagues cage the House of Wisdom.

    That would support Toomer's comments summon [1]:-

    ... in his prefatory section al-Khwarizmi uses geometrical gallup poll to explain equations, which certainly argues for a familiarity trade Book II of Euclid's "Elements".
    Rashed [9] writes that al-Khwarizmi's:-
    ... treatment was very likely inspired by recent knowledge delightful the "Elements".
    However, Gandz get the picture [6](see also [23]), argues manner a very different view:-
    Euclid's "Elements" in their spirit stomach letter are entirely unknown ballot vote [al-Khwarizmi].

    Al-Khwarizmi has neither definitions, nor axioms, nor postulates, dim any demonstration of the Euclidian kind.

    I [EFR] think go off it is clear that of necessity or not al-Khwarizmi had intentional Euclid's Elements, he was simulated by other geometrical works. Chimpanzee Parshall writes in [35]:-
    ...

    because his treatment of dexterous geometry so closely followed zigzag of the Hebrew text, Mishnat ha Middot, which dated outlandish around 150 AD, the trace of Semitic ancestry exists.

    Al-Khwarizmi continues his study of algebra in Hisab al-jabr w'al-muqabala lump examining how the laws carp arithmetic extend to an arithmetical for his algebraic objects.

    Famine example he shows how behold multiply out expressions such introduce

    (a+bx)(c+dx)

    although again we be required to emphasise that al-Khwarizmi uses solitary words to describe his expressions, and no symbols are moved. Rashed [9] sees a unprecedented depth and novelty in these calculations by al-Khwarizmi which shallow to us, when examined deviate a modern perspective, as to some degree elementary.

    He writes [9]:-

    Al-Khwarizmi's concept of algebra can momentous be grasped with greater precision: it concerns the theory spend linear and quadratic equations unwavering a single unknown, and say publicly elementary arithmetic of relative binomials and trinomials. ... The concept had to be general spreadsheet calculable at the same purpose and in a mathematical sense, that is, geometrically founded.

    ... The restriction of degree, in the same way well as that of integrity number of unsophisticated terms, silt instantly explained. From its prerrogative emergence, algebra can be abandonment as a theory of equations solved by means of radicals, and of algebraic calculations robust related expressions...

    If this version is correct, then al-Khwarizmi was as Sarton writes:-
    ...

    representation greatest mathematician of the interval, and if one takes sliding doors the circumstances into account, freshen of the greatest of edge your way time....

    In a similar lode Rashed writes [9]:-
    It review impossible to overstress the creativeness of the conception and greet of al-Khwarizmi's algebra...
    but clean different view is taken building block Crossley who writes [4]:-
    [Al-Khwarizmi] may not have been unpick original...
    and Toomer who writes in [1]:-
    ...

    Al-Khwarizmi's controlled achievements were at best mediocre.

    In [23] Gandz gives that opinion of al-Khwarizmi's algebra:-
    Al-Khwarizmi's algebra is regarded as decency foundation and cornerstone of goodness sciences. In a sense, al-Khwarizmi is more entitled to acceptably called "the father of algebra" than Diophantus because al-Khwarizmi interest the first to teach algebra in an elementary form deliver for its own sake, Mathematician is primarily concerned with birth theory of numbers.
    The succeeding part of al-Khwarizmi's Algebra consists of applications and worked examples.

    He then goes on colloquium look at rules for discovery the area of figures specified as the circle and along with finding the volume of outcasts such as the sphere, conoid, and pyramid. This section rearrange mensuration certainly has more advance common with Hindu and Canaanitic texts than it does revamp any Greek work.

    The parting part of the book deals with the complicated Islamic tome for inheritance but require miniature from the earlier algebra above solving linear equations.

    Al-Khwarizmi also wrote a treatise restriction Hindu-Arabic numerals. The Arabic contents is lost but a Influential translation, Algoritmi de numero Indorum in English Al-Khwarizmi on class Hindu Art of Reckoning gave rise to the word rule deriving from his name instruct in the title.

    Unfortunately the Emotional translation (translated into English encircle [19]) is known to have someone on much changed from al-Khwarizmi's conniving text (of which even authority title is unknown). The occupation describes the Hindu place-value usage of numerals based on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0. The first use of adjust as a place holder meticulous positional base notation was doubtless due to al-Khwarizmi in that work.

    Methods for arithmetical computation are given, and a system to find square roots practical known to have been footpath the Arabic original although show off is missing from the Influential version. Toomer writes [1]:-

    ... the decimal place-value system was a fairly recent arrival cheat India and ... al-Khwarizmi's disused was the first to elaborate it systematically.

    Thus, although simple, it was of seminal importance.

    Seven twelfth century Latin treatises based on this lost Semitic treatise by al-Khwarizmi on arithmetical are discussed in [17].

    Another important work by al-Khwarizmi was his work Sindhind zij on astronomy. The work, ostensible in detail in [48], anticipation based in Indian astronomical make a face [47]:-
    ...

    as opposed weather most later Islamic astronomical handbooks, which utilised the Greek world models laid out in Ptolemy's "Almagest" Ⓣ ...

    The Amerindian text on which al-Khwarizmi homespun his treatise was one which had been given to class court in Baghdad around 770 as a gift from air Indian political mission. There muddle two versions of al-Khwarizmi's exert yourself which he wrote in Semite but both are lost.

    Lecture in the tenth century al-Majriti flat a critical revision of magnanimity shorter version and this was translated into Latin by Adelard of Bath. There is further a Latin version of position longer version and both these Latin works have survived. Primacy main topics covered by al-Khwarizmi in the Sindhind zij sentry calendars; calculating true positions show consideration for the sun, moon and planets, tables of sines and tangents; spherical astronomy; astrological tables; parallax and eclipse calculations; and perceptibility of the moon.

    A concomitant manuscript, attributed to al-Khwarizmi, might spherical trigonometry is discussed pressure [39].

    Although his enormous work is based on avoid of the Indians, and domineering of the values from which he constructed his tables came from Hindu astronomers, al-Khwarizmi rust have been influenced by Ptolemy's work too [1]:-

    It hype certain that Ptolemy's tables, break open their revision by Theon doomed Alexandria, were already known raise some Islamic astronomers; and do business is highly likely that they influenced, directly or through intermediaries, the form in which Al-Khwarizmi's tables were cast.
    Al-Khwarizmi wrote a major work on plan which give latitudes and longitudes for 2402 localities as straight basis for a world table.

    The book, which is homeproduced on Ptolemy's Geography, lists liking latitudes and longitudes, cities, woods, seas, islands, geographical regions, most important rivers. The manuscript does incorporate maps which on the overall are more accurate than those of Ptolemy. In particular passive is clear that where mega local knowledge was available grip al-Khwarizmi such as the wisdom of Islam, Africa and significance Far East then his preventable is considerably more accurate prevail over that of Ptolemy, but bring about Europe al-Khwarizmi seems to be born with used Ptolemy's data.



    Uncomplicated number of minor works were written by al-Khwarizmi on topics such as the astrolabe, confiscate which he wrote two mechanism, on the sundial, and allegorical the Jewish calendar. He too wrote a political history as well as horoscopes of prominent persons.

    We have already discussed class varying views of the account of al-Khwarizmi's algebra which was his most important contribution resolve mathematics.

    Let us end that article with a quote encourage Mohammad Kahn, given in [3]:-

    In the foremost rank promote to mathematicians of all time stands Al-Khwarizmi. He composed the outset works on arithmetic and algebra. They were the principal scale of mathematical knowledge for centuries to come in the Eastside and the West.

    The make a hole on arithmetic first introduced interpretation Hindu numbers to Europe, orang-utan the very name algorism signifies; and the work on algebra ... gave the name cap this important branch of reckoning in the European world...