mathematics

mathematics, deductive study of numbers, geometry, and various abstract constructs, or structures; the latter often “abstract” the features common to several models derived from the empirical, or applied, sciences, although many emerge from purely mathematical or logical considerations. Mathematics is very broadly divided into foundations, algebra, analysis, geometry, and applied mathematics, which includes theoretical computer science.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• In the Twentieth Century
• In the Nineteenth Century
• Western Developments from the Twelfth to Eighteenth Centuries
• Chinese and Middle Eastern Advances
• Greek Contributions
• Development of Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics
• Geometry
• Analysis
• Algebra
• Foundations
• Bibliography

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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