Contribution of Aryabhatta in Indian Mathematics –Aryabhatta is called ‘The King of Indian Mathematics’ for his several contributions to mathematics inventions and theories. Some of the important discoveries he made in the mathematics are as below.
Contribution of Aryabhatta in Indian Mathematics
Who was Aryabhatta?
Aryabhatta was an astronomer and the mathematician of great repute who lived in ancient India.
Where was Aryabhatta born?
Aryabhatta was born on 21st March 476 at Kusumapura near PataliPutra.
Where did Aryabhatta study?
He studied at Nalanda, the world’s first residential University. He later even headed one of the departments there.
What are Aryabhattas contribution to Mathematics?
1 Quadratic Equations- Aryabhata made some important revolution in solving quadratic equations.
Aryabhata provided a systematic approach to solving these equations, which laid the foundation for future developments in algebraic techniques. Aryabhata’s contributions extended beyond mere equations. He also made progress in understanding the algebraic properties of numbers.
2 Place Value System and concept of Zero – Aryabhata introduced the Indian decimal place value system, where the value of a digit depends on its position within a number. This system laid the foundation for future modern mathematical notation and calculations methods. While Aryabhata did not use a symbol for zero, his place-value system implicitly included the concept of zero as a placeholder for the powers of ten with null coefficients. This conceptualization of zero was a crucial step in the development of the number system.
3 Zero in Aryabhata’s System– The invention of zero by Aryabhatta has made significant contribution to mathematics field. While Aryabhata did not use a symbol for zero, his place-value system implicitly included the concept of zero as a placeholder for the powers of ten with null coefficients. This conceptualization of zero was a crucial step in the development of the number system.
4 Trignometry –Aryabhata made significant advancements in trigonometry. He introduced the concept of sine, cosine, trigonometric tables and other trigonometric functions, which he expressed in a mnemonic form to which helped in memorizing it easily.
5 Approximation of π (pi) – Aryabhata was one of the first mathematicians to approximate the value of π (pi) accurately. In this way he worked out the value of π which is used today all over the world. Mathematics was simplified by this invention.
6 Departure from Brahmi Numerals – In ancient India, Brahmi numerals were a script used for writing numerals.These numerals were used for mathematical notations and calculations. Aryabhata did not use Brahmi numerals in his mathematical work. Instead, he continued the Sanskritic tradition ( refers to the cultural and linguistic traditions associated with Sanskrit) to represent numerical values.This means that instead of using specific numeral symbols, he employed the characters of the Sanskrit alphabet to denote numbers.
By using letters of the Sanskrit alphabet, he went away from the prevalent use of Brahmi numerals and explored unconventional and innovative ways of expressing mathematical concepts and notation.
Language and cultural context of Sanskrit played an important role during that period.
7 Timekeeping and Calendar systems– Aryabhata’s worked towards developing a sophisticated system for timekeeping and a calendar system. Aryabhata was not only a mathematician but also a prominent astronomer. Aryabhata provided an accurate method for calculating the length of a solar year, based on observations of the positions and movements of celestial bodies, and allowed for a more precise determination of the solar year.His study in the celestial bodies and their movements led him to develop advanced theories and models.
What are Aryabhattas contributions to astronomy?
At a time when people all over the world believed that the earth was flat and was at the centre of the universe , Aryabhatta came up with the theory that the Earth was Spherical and that it revolves around the sun.His findings of the value of Pi, the length of day and night, diameter of the earth and of the Moon etc . mentioned in his book Aryabhatiya come close to modern findings.
Why was India’s first artificial satellite named after Aryabhatta?
Because it’s launch coincided with his 1500th birth anniversary.