Περίληψη:
Medieval algebra is distinguished from other arithmetical
problem-solving techniques by its structure and technical vocabulary. In
an algebraic solution one or several unknowns are named, and via
operations on the unknowns the problem is transferred to the artificial
setting of an equation expressed in terms of the named powers, which is
then simplified and solved. In this article we examine Diophantus’
Arithmetica from this perspective. We find that indeed Diophantus’
method matches medieval algebra in both vocabulary and structure. Just
as we see in medieval Arabic and Italian algebra, Diophantus worked out
the operations expressed in the enunciation of a problem prior to
setting up a polynomial equation. Further, his polynomials were regarded
as aggregations with no operations present. (c) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All
rights reserved.
