National Mathematics Day

A group of diverse individuals solving math problems together outdoors, wearing casual clothes, urban setting.. — National mathematics day illustration

If you've not yet found a reason to celebrate the beauty of numbers and their contribution in making life much more livable (yes, calculators exist for a reason!), then it's time to change that! Get ready to appreciate the charm of calculus and the rhythm of ratios because, take my word for it, there is a day dedicated to majestic mathematics! Say it with me now, National Mathematics Day!

When is Mathematics Day?

It's national mathematics day on the 22nd December.

A Brief Snapshot

Our data analysis identifies that National Mathematics Day was heavily mentioned a whopping 9216 times online. Surprisingly, there is even more chatter during the festive period in 2020- specifically, hold onto your abaci, because there was an all out math party online on December 22, 2020!

Crunching the Numbers

But why December 22nd, you ask? Well, this date is not randomly picked from a probability chart. It actually marks the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan, a renowned mathematician known for his significant contributions to the world of mathematics. So, on this day, math enthusiasts or even those who are numerically challenged, unite to celebrate the science that is the backbone of our daily life.

Algorithm and Acclaim

From posting math trivia online, blogging about breakthroughs in mathematical theories, or sharing a picture of a favourite math puzzle or equation, the linear online equation of National Mathematics day is quite exponential! Clearly, 22nd December is no 'average' day (pun intended!). So, the next time someone says maths isn't fun, remember 22nd December and consider correcting their equation.

History behind the term 'Mathematics'

3500 BCE

Early Beginnings

The term 'mathematics' finds its roots in ancient Egypt and Babylon around 3500 BCE. These civilizations developed rudimentary systems of counting and measuring, which formed the foundation for early mathematical concepts. The word 'mathematics' stems from the Greek word 'mathēmatikos,' meaning 'inclined to learn.' It reflects the ancient belief that mathematics represented the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

6th Century BCE

Greek Influence

The Greeks expanded and formalized the study of mathematics, adding abstract reasoning and deductive methods to the field. In the 6th century BCE, the term 'mathematics' gained prominence as the Greeks established it as a distinct area of study. Mathematicians like Pythagoras, Euclid, and Archimedes made significant contributions, shaping the field's development and establishing fundamental concepts that are still studied today.

9th Century CE

Arabic Numerals

During the Islamic Golden Age in the 9th century CE, scholars made crucial advancements in mathematics. One notable contribution was the introduction of the decimal numeral system we use today, commonly known as 'Arabic numerals.' These numerals revolutionized mathematical notation by introducing the concept of zero and a positional system, making calculations more efficient and accessible to a wider audience.

17th Century CE

Scientific Revolution

The 17th century saw a scientific revolution that profoundly influenced mathematics. The works of mathematicians like Isaac Newton and René Descartes transformed the field, introducing calculus and analytic geometry. This period marked a shift towards applying mathematics to scientific investigations, fueling discoveries in physics, astronomy, and other disciplines. Mathematics became a fundamental tool for understanding the natural world.

20th Century CE

Computational Revolution

The advent of computers in the 20th century revolutionized the study and application of mathematics. The development of computational methods enabled mathematicians to solve complex problems, perform large-scale calculations, and explore mathematical models with precision and speed. The field of computational mathematics emerged, combining theoretical and practical aspects to address real-world challenges across various industries.

Did you know?

Did you know that a piece of 20,000 year old bone found with some notches in it is considered as the oldest known evidence of 'mathematics' by humans? Talk about digging up the past of Maths!