Diophantus

Mathematician (c200 – c284)

Diophantus was one of the greatest mathematicians of antiquity. He is the father of algebra and the first to introduce the use of letters as quantitative symbols in mathematics. His treatise Arithmetics, considered by many as the first enchiridion of algebra, is a landmark in the history of mathematics and represents the dawning of algebra.

Very few things are known about his personal life. He flourished in Alexandria, the most prestigious spiritual centre of humanity at the time, where he worked as a researcher on mathematics and a pedagogue. He wrote numerous treatises, two of which survive to this day. The first, Arithmetics, is the first treatise on algebra ever to have been written. It consists of 13 books, 11 of which survive in different languages. The books contain subjects on first, second and polynomial equations, with one or two unknowns, calculation of powers etc. The second one is Polygonal Numbers and Geometric Elements, a book containing complex geometry and of which only a fragment survives. Other works include Porisms, possibly on the theory of numbers and Moriastics, a book on fractions.

Furthermore, Diophantus studied meticulously the polynomial equations where only the integer values are sought. These came to be known as Diophantine Equations and the study of them today is called Diophantine Analysis, in his honour. French mathematician Pier de Fermat’s last theorem, considered to be one of mathematics’ most difficult problems is such an equation, evidently showing that Fermat was inspired by the great algebraist.

Diophantus was recognized as a great mathematician and a highly respected geometrician even during his own lifetime. His works, primarily Arithmetics exerted a tremendous influence on the Arabic civilization when during the 10^th century they were translated to Arabic. In the Middle Ages, intellects such as Maximus Planoudes, Georgios Pachymeres and Wilhelm Xylander studied his works and disseminated them.

Bibliography

1. “Diophantos”. Helios New Encyclopaedic Dictionary. Passas, I. Athens, 1946. Print.
2. O’Connor, JJ, Robertson, E.F. Diophantus of Alexandria. History.mcs.st-andac.uk. Web.
3. Vlachou, Angeliki. Ο Διόφαντος και η Διδακτική της Άλγεβρας. National and Capodistrian University of Athens. Athens, 2014. Math.uoa.gr. Web.