Binomial theorem in ancient India

Bag, Amulya Kumar (1966) Binomial theorem in ancient India Indian Journal of History of Science, 1 (1). pp. 68-74. ISSN 0019-5235

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Abstract

The binomial theorem for positive integral exponents was discovered in Europe in the sixteenth century. The triangular array formed by the binomial coefficients undoubtedly played a very important role in the development. The array was known as Pascal triangle (+ A.D. 1665) in Europe. It appeared originally in the work of Apianus (+1527), Stifel (+1544), Scheubel (+1545), Tartaglia (+1556), Bombelli (+1572) and others. The same array was known in China as the 'Old method chart of seven multiplying squares' and appeared at least two centuries earlier in the work of Chu Shih-Chieh (+1303), Yang Hui (+1261) and Chia Hsien (+1100). The paper, apart from early discovery of the theorem in India, shows that the same triangular array was known as meru-prastara in India and occurs several centuries earlier than that of China.

Item Type:Article
Source:Copyright of this article belongs to Indian National Science Academy.
ID Code:70374
Deposited On:17 Nov 2011 14:40
Last Modified:18 May 2016 16:27

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