The Simplest Method for Multiplying Large Numbers
There are various techniques that individuals can utilize to simplify the multiplication of large numbers. Below, we outline these methods along with an example to illustrate the process:
- Step 1: When multiplying two numbers, where one is larger than the other, arrange the multiplication horizontally as follows: (140 × 12).
- Step 2: Decompose the smaller number into tens and units (12) as follows: 10 – 2.
- Step 3: Multiply the larger number by each of the resulting components from the decomposition:
- 140 × 10 = 1400
- 140 × 2 = 280
- Step 4: Add the products obtained from the multiplications (1400 + 280 = 1680).
Note: There are specific strategies for multiplying large numbers, especially those that end with zeros, such as (2000 × 800). This approach involves summing the number of zeros and then multiplying the remaining numbers. For example, in the calculation above, the number of zeros in both numbers is five (00000), and the result of multiplying the non-zero digits (8 × 2 = 16). Consequently, the final product of this operation is one million six hundred thousand (1,600,000).
A Brief History of Mathematics
Significant milestones in the history of mathematics can be summarized as follows:
- During the Pharaonic era, around 3,000 BCE, the Egyptians utilized basic arithmetic operations such as addition and subtraction, in addition to calculating the area of circles and the volume of pyramids.
- In Babylon, from 1,700 to 300 BCE, mathematicians were capable of solving multivariable equations and finding solutions to quadratic equations.
- Greek civilization from 600 BCE to 600 CE was marked by the work of Pythagoras, who introduced concepts of abstract mathematics.
- Another prominent figure from Greek civilization during the same period was Aristotle, who developed what is known as formal mathematics (definitions, axioms, and proofs through construction work).
Renowned Arab Mathematicians
The following is a list of prominent Arab scholars who made significant contributions to mathematics:
- Al-Farabi (872 CE – 950 CE)
- Al-Battani (858 CE – 929 CE)
- Avicenna (Ibn Sina) (920 CE – 1037 CE)
- Ibn Battuta (1304 CE – 1369 CE)
- Averroes (Ibn Rushd) (1126 CE – 1198 CE)
- Al-Khwarizmi (Muhammad ibn Musa) (780 CE – 850 CE)
- Omar Khayyam (1048 CE – 1131 CE)
- Al-Razi (Abu Bakr al-Razi) (865 CE – 925 CE)
- Jabir ibn Hayyan (722 CE – 804 CE)
- Al-Kindi (Ibn Ishaq al-Kindi) (801 CE – 873 CE)