The Oldest Known Decimal Point: A Mind-Blowing Discovery in Mathematics History
How old is the decimal? It’s a question that has fascinated historians, and a recent discovery has shed new light on its origins. Glen Van Brummelen, a historian of mathematics at Canada’s Trinity Western University, made a remarkable find while teaching at a math camp for middle schoolers. In a 15th-century treatise, he stumbled upon a decimal used to indicate tenths of a number. This early appearance of the decimal has left math historians astounded and excited about its implications.
Versions of the decimal have been used as far back as the 900s, but it was believed that German mathematician Christopher Clavius was the first to break down whole numbers by tenths, hundredths, and thousandths in his 1593 treatise on the astrolabe. However, Van Brummelen’s discovery challenges this belief. The usage of decimals in the 1440s text suggests that European astronomers were already using this system much earlier than previously thought.
During this period, European astronomers relied on the sexagesimal numeric system, which divided a 360-degree circle into 60 minutes and further divided minutes into 60 seconds. This system used 60 as its base, similar to how our modern decimal system uses 10 as its base. However, multiplication in the sexagesimal system was complicated and required multiple conversions of values.
Giovanni Bianchini, a Venetian merchant and astrology practitioner, found a simpler way to divide angles into minutes and seconds. His method marked a significant advancement for humanity, according to José Chabás, a historian of astronomy. Bianchini’s treastise Tabulae primi mobilis B caught the attention of Van Brummelen and his colleague when they noticed that he was using decimals in his calculations. This usage of decimals with the base-10 system was a breakthrough, as it made calculations more straightforward and efficient.
Van Brummelen believes that Bianchini’s method originated from his background in economics, where calculations using real-world measures were common. It is likely that Clavius, who came later, was aware of Bianchini’s work and built upon it.
This discovery not only highlights the historical significance of the decimal but also emphasizes the importance of exploring ancient texts to uncover hidden knowledge. The use of decimals in the 15th century challenges our understanding of the development of mathematical systems and opens up new avenues for research.
The implications of this mind-blowing discovery are far-reaching. It not only provides insights into the history of mathematics but also showcases the ingenuity and innovation of ancient thinkers. The decimal system, which we take for granted today, has a much richer and more complex history than previously imagined.
As we continue to delve into the past, it is clear that there is still much to learn and discover. The story of the oldest known decimal point serves as a reminder that our understanding of the world is constantly evolving, and there are always new surprises waiting to be uncovered in the annals of history.
