3 ms·

Several earliest known uses of other mathematical notations can be found at: http://jeff560.tripod.com/mathsym.html http://jeff560.tripod.com/mathsym.html

kijin 14y ago
> The asterisk was used by Johann Rahn (1622-1676) in 1659 in Teutsche Algebra Interesting. I've always thought that the use of an asterisk to denote multiplication was some sort of compromise owing to the lack of a "×" key on a typical computer keyboard. But it seems that there are much older precedents for it. Meanwhile, using a slash to denote division is explained in the Fractions page. > The diagonal fraction bar (also called a solidus or virgule) was introduced because the horizontal fraction bar was difficult typographically, requiring three terraces of type. An early handwritten document with forward slashes in lieu of fraction bars is Thomas Twining's Ledger of 1718 ...
chinpokomon 14y ago
Interesting. The close parentheses form of division from 1540 looks like the basis of the long division form of division, i.e. 2)6 with a bar or vinculum, extending from the top of the parentheses over the 6. The long division form finally takes its modern form in 1888. The transformation of that symbol seems somewhat obvious and natural. I wonder if we are likely to see further changes, as modern typesetting should resist the variations that handwriting would introduce. I believe any change in the future will have to demonstrate improved readability before it will be accepted.
- gpvos 14y ago
  Also interesting: the form for long division that is used in the 19th century in the US: divisor ) dividend ( quotient, is very similar to the long division form that is still used in the Netherlands today: divisor / dividend \ quotient. Looking at Wikipedia, it seems all other countries have gone on to different notations, though.

3 ms·

Several earliest known uses of other mathematical notations can be found at: http://jeff560.tripod.com/mathsym.html http://jeff560.tripod.com/mathsym.html

by jnotarstefano 14y ago

kijin 14y ago
> The asterisk was used by Johann Rahn (1622-1676) in 1659 in Teutsche Algebra Interesting. I've always thought that the use of an asterisk to denote multiplication was some sort of compromise owing to the lack of a "×" key on a typical computer keyboard. But it seems that there are much older precedents for it. Meanwhile, using a slash to denote division is explained in the Fractions page. > The diagonal fraction bar (also called a solidus or virgule) was introduced because the horizontal fraction bar was difficult typographically, requiring three terraces of type. An early handwritten document with forward slashes in lieu of fraction bars is Thomas Twining's Ledger of 1718 ...
chinpokomon 14y ago
Interesting. The close parentheses form of division from 1540 looks like the basis of the long division form of division, i.e. 2)6 with a bar or vinculum, extending from the top of the parentheses over the 6. The long division form finally takes its modern form in 1888. The transformation of that symbol seems somewhat obvious and natural. I wonder if we are likely to see further changes, as modern typesetting should resist the variations that handwriting would introduce. I believe any change in the future will have to demonstrate improved readability before it will be accepted.
- gpvos 14y ago
  Also interesting: the form for long division that is used in the 19th century in the US: divisor ) dividend ( quotient, is very similar to the long division form that is still used in the Netherlands today: divisor / dividend \ quotient. Looking at Wikipedia, it seems all other countries have gone on to different notations, though.