Geometrical Algebra Alex Letzo MHF 4404 9/27/11 Algebra can be defined as our rules of operations and how

we can use these rules to manipulate equations in order to solve for unknowns in equations. In algebra we utilize variables to replace constants that we do not know the values of and solve for those variables using sets of known rules that allow for balanced equations. Without these rules we could not have algebra because we wouldnt know how to dictate what manipulations one can make to an equation and still have a balanced equation on both sides of the equal sign. Therefore, one must ask how did we come up with elaborate formulas and propositions in Babylonian and Greek times when they hadnt defined a correct set of algebraic rules for writing equations that we have yet to discover?

The early Greek and Babylonian mathematicians used geometry as their base to solve for unknown variables instead of using algebraic equations. They were basically masters in the manipulation of shapes, constructions, and lines in order to solve for complex numbers or formulas. We can attribute their exceptional skill in geometry due to the fact that this was their only complex problem solving technique they had to use. Therefore we must ask the question is their manipulation of geometry in order to solve for unknown variables a method of algebra or is it just upper level advanced geometry?

According to the definition of algebra there are some aspects to the Babylonian and Greek methods that do follow algebraic processes but those are just some aspects. The thought processes that they went through in order to physically or mentally manipulate the geometric figures in order to solve for unknowns or create formulas is purely algebraic thinking. However they are not manipulating equations based on a set of rules, they are manipulating geometric figures with unknown values. The way I see it is it is the same thought process but it isnt what we call algebra in modern times, so I wouldnt call it formal algebra but there are other aspects one needs to look at in order to understand why they did what they did.

In early mathematics where it was unsure what all the rules were for writing balanced algebraic equations and formulas still needed to be discovered; I believe geometry was a must in order to prove that the rules and methods we use in algebra today actually work. They are starting from nothing so they cant really prove formulas are right or wrong based on equations and algebraic manipulations. They actually have to use geometry in order to prove and discover formulas and values because they can show others exactly where they were getting their end result values from. Therefore geometry must be the beginning of algebra because you cant start off working with equations until you figure out what values are equal to other values using geometry and then once one does that can you establish a set of

mathematical rules based on geometric findings. Once all of the relationships and properties of mathematical values and variables are established then you can use algebra and equations to prove and solve problems.

Based on the conclusion I have come to about the relationship between algebra and geometry, I feel that one cannot call Babylonian or Greek geometry a type of geometrical algebra. Instead I would label it the key component of math that was necessary for the formulation of algebra. For one cannot have a set of rules of operations for mathematical processes in equations without first proving the rules by use of geometry in ancient times. Therefore Babylonian and Greek geometry is the basis that was needed to make algebra but it is still simply just upper level advanced geometry.