From a man's name to a word. The birth of Algorithm

Before the history of algorithms begins

The word we use in modern classrooms and computers did not appear by accident. It came from a real person, and a real, dedicated work of a mathematician who lived many years before.

The next question is natural and important. Where do algorithms actually come from?

Where does the word "algorithm" come from

In the current world full of computers and other devices, and robots that seem will appear very soon, we continuously use the word "algorithm". What is an Algorithm? one may ask. Hm.. Algorithm is an algorithm. This word is a part of our daily lexicon. But where does it originate from?

The word "algorithm" is derived from the name of a Persian mathematician. His name is Al-Khwarizmi, he lived in the 9th century. The full name of Al-Khwarizmi is Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi. The reader may have already noticed that some of the letters in his name are similar to the word "algorithm". And indeed, the word "algorithm" is derived from the Latinized version of his name which is "Algoritmi". Or just try to pronounce his name fast. What do you hear?

It often happens, if you propose an idea or a concept, and if it is accepted, then it is named after you. For instance, the word Pythagorean theorem is named after Pythagoras, the Greek mathematician. But that word, we promise you to discuss in another article. Let's focus on Al-Khwarizmi.

Al-Khwarizmi was born in the 9th century in the region of Khwarazm. Today we know this region as Khorazm, it is an area in the modern country of Uzbekistan. Since he was a child, he was interested in mathematics and astronomy, or at least was a very curious child. We are not quite sure if he was a gifted one, but for sure he was very dedicated. Speaking in the modern language we can say that when he reached the age of maturity, he started studying at a university in Baghdad, the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, that was a different country at that time. We could dive in geography and history, but we have no such a plan. We are here to discuss the word "algorithm" and its origin. So, let's continue with Al-Khwarizmi's life as mathematician.

Al-Khwarizmi's Contributions to Algebra

Al-Khwarizmi wrote several influential books, including "The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing", which introduced the systematic solution of linear and quadratic equations. Maybe the reader is not aware of this, but the modern algebra is derived from the Arabic word "al-jabr", and the principles of algebra were described in this book. Wow! Not only the algorithms approach was introduced by Al-Khwarizmi, but also the principles of algebra. Indeed, "al-jabr" is the root of the word "algebra".

Hooray! Now the reader knows not only the origin of the word "algorithm", but also the origin of the word "algebra".

Just imagine, the backbone of modern mathematics, algebra, equations, and algorithms were introduced by a single mathematician. The modern reader may decide this is easy to do, but in the 9th century, it was a very difficult and tough task. Al-Khwarizmi like any modern kid did not have a computer, calculator, or even a stack of A4 papers. It was less available for everyone, he had no electricity to study at night, or after the sunset. Today, anyone can write as much as possible having a very cheap pen and paper,. But Al-Khwarizmi had no a ballpoint pen or a rubber with a pencil.

Yet, he was able to think about equations and algorithms. If you cannot write whatever you want, then you are forced to keep everything in your mind. I'm not sure if he can memorize everything, but the author of this article barely can memorize the first lines of this article.

Legacy and Impact of Al-Khwarizmi's Work

It is impossible to imagine modern life without consecutive steps and algebra. Please know that even the number of steps in the stairs which we use every day to go down or up, is calculated using linear equations. Simply, if the steps are too high or too low or too long, then it is difficult to go up or down. Those who live in Netherlands might have a different opinion, but it is better to talk to them in person. The modern architecture and construction are based on the principles of algebra and algorithms. After all, we build our houses step by step.

Motivation and Encouragement for Aspiring Mathematicians

Would you like to be the next Al-Khwarizmi? Use your time wisely, and dedicate yourself to mathematics and education if you want to be a mathematician. If you don't want to be a mathematician, then we are quite sure you have a very good motivation for something else. Our current project teaches you mathematics and logical thinking. But the primary goal of this project is to teach you and motivate! You are not just a reader, user, or visitor of the current site. We treat you as a friend, we treat our students as our children.

Per aspera ad astra! (Through hardships to the stars!)