The Story of Maths Season 1 Episode 1 The Language of the Universe

The Story of Maths is a fascinating 4-part series that explores the history and evolution of mathematics, from ancient times to the present day. In season 1 episode 1, titled "The Language of the Universe," we delve into the origins of mathematics and how it has been used to understand the universe around us.

The episode begins with the story of Pythagoras, the famous mathematician who discovered the theorem that bears his name. We learn about his followers, the Pythagoreans, who believed that everything in the universe could be explained through mathematics. As we travel through ancient Greece and Rome, we see how mathematicians like Euclid and Archimedes developed new ways of understanding geometry and the measurement of space.

Moving forward in time, we explore the contributions of Islamic mathematicians during the Golden Age of Islam, such as Al-Khwarizmi and Ibn al-Haytham. We learn how algebra developed out of the need to solve complex equations and how the concept of zero was crucial in the development of modern arithmetic.

The episode then takes us to India, where we see how mathematics and philosophy became intertwined through the work of scholars like Aryabhata and Brahmagupta. These mathematicians developed important concepts like the decimal system and trigonometry, which would later be adopted in the West.

Finally, we arrive in Europe during the Renaissance, where we see the revival of classical learning and the rediscovery of ancient mathematical texts. We learn about the work of great minds like Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei, who applied mathematical principles to the study of astronomy and physics. These scientific discoveries would lay the foundation for the modern world as we know it today.

Throughout "The Language of the Universe," we see how mathematics has been used throughout history to explain complex concepts and understand the world around us. From the Pythagorean theorem to the concept of infinity, mathematics has played a crucial role in our understanding of the universe. This episode sets the stage for the rest of the series by exploring the historical roots of mathematics and laying the groundwork for the many incredible discoveries still to come.