Algebra is a branch of math that deals with the manipulation of symbols. This form of math has been around for centuries, and math teachers and algebra tutors still focus on it today in their lessons. The different algebraic symbols represent certain variables. Various equations combine these variables, which don’t have fixed amounts, to describe relationships. If you’re curious about how this type of math began, discover the history of algebra below.

Early Equations in Egypt

It's difficult to trace algebra's roots back to any one person or instance in history, as algebraic thinking has appeared across different civilizations at various times.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the earliest mathematical texts presenting equations originated in Egypt around 1650 B.C. The Rhind papyrus shows a linear equation, such as 5x plus 2x equals 7. Later equations from 300 B.C. became more complex, with two unknown quantities or variables. 

Further Progressions of Algebraic Thought

Babylonian mathematics dating from around 1800 B.C. also references equations similar to those used by algebra tutors today. Clay tablets from the time period show problems that ask for a solution of an unknown number. 

In Greece, a milestone in mathematics was made around 430 B.C. when it was discovered that not all lengths could be measured with a common unit. In an attempt to deal with these incommensurable units, mathematicians relied on rules of proportions, using algebraic-style equations such as 2x equals 1y. 

The Modern Term “Algebra”

Contributions to the development of modern algebra were made by Indian, Chinese, and Islamic mathematicians. Baghdad mathematician Muḥammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī wrote the treatise, “Algebra et Almucabal,” which was translated into Latin in the 12th century. This is where the modern term “algebra” comes from.

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