History of Algebra
in the 16th Century

by Eve Ermer

This text explores the massive transformation of algebra in the 16th century that resulted in the standard high school algebra of today. Students learn algebra in a series of cognitive stages. Loosely speaking, there are three such stages, and very few high school students graduate with the ability to do algebra at the third, highest level. That last stage is exactly what characterizes developments in the 16th century in France. Ermer not only gives us a picture of how mathematics arrived there and what happened during that time frame, she also uses the history as a window into the cognitive processes that stump students

In addition to French developments, Ermer is careful to outline and emphasize the contributions of Islamic mathematicians during the so-called "dark ages" that have been downplayed or simply ignored in standard algebra texts. Reintroducing this part of the history is a way to respect the diversity of our mathematics students.

Ermer's text is a perfect way for the anxious math student to revisit algebra at the college level, as in the standard community college course entitled "College Algebra". It is also a revealing example of mathematics in its historical context, directly addressing history of mathematics standards in many preservice teacher education programs. Because of its insight into cognitive issues for students, this book should be required reading for every high school or middle school math teacher.

Available 2006.