Origin and Evolution of Algorithms

Historical Background

• Algorithm Term Origin
  • The term dates back ~900 years.
  • Derived from the name Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi.
  • Al-Khwarizmi: Persian mathematical genius born ~780 AD in present-day Uzbekistan.
  • Active in the 9th Century Baghdad's House of Wisdom.

Contributions of Al-Khwarizmi

• Fields of Work
  • Mathematics
  • Astronomy
  • Geography
  • Cartography
• Key Works
  • Wrote influential book: Concerning the Hindu Art of Reckoning
  • Introduced Hindu-Arabic numerals to the West via his book
  • Basis for the modern number system and decimal point
• Name Influence
  • Latinised name in book title: algoritmi
  • Origin of the modern word 'algorithm'
  • Also credited for the term 'algebra'

Impact on Western Mathematics

• Rediscovery and Influence
  • Book rediscovered and translated into Latin 300 years later
  • Revolutionized Western mathematics
  • Simplified complex problem-solving

Algorithm in Language and Modern Era

• Language Evolution
  • Medieval Latin: algorismus = decimal number system
  • 13th Century: became an English word (used by Chaucer)
  • Late 19th Century: adopted meaning of step-by-step problem-solving rules
• 20th Century Developments
  • Alan Turing's theoretical work on algorithmic machines
  • WWII: Turing's Bombe machine cracked the Enigma code using algorithms

Modern Usage

• Pervasiveness of Algorithms
  • Ubiquitous in daily life
  • Applications include navigation, internet searches, recommendations, predictions

Conclusion

• Transformative Influence
  • Algorithm, originating from medieval Persia, now a cornerstone of modern life

Thank You Note

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