Question

Which ancient Indian mathematical text, written by the mathematician Brahmagupta, introduced the concept of zero and decimal notation to the world?

• A. Vedanga Jyotisha
• B. Surya Siddhanta
• C. Lilavati
• D. Brahmasphutasiddhanta

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Brahmasphutasiddhanta

Brahmasphutasiddhanta

• The "Brāhmasphuṭasiddhānta" is an ancient Indian mathematical treatise written by the mathematician and astronomer Brahmagupta.
• It is one of the most important works in the field of Indian mathematics and played a significant role in the development of mathematical thought in India.
• This text contains significant mathematical content, including the first good understanding of the role of zero, rules for manipulating both negative and positive numbers, a method for computing square roots etc
• Brahmagupta described zero as "shunya," meaning void or empty, and recognized its significance as a placeholder in numerical notation.
• This was a groundbreaking development in mathematics and had a profound impact on subsequent mathematical and scientific endeavors worldwide.