The algebraization of mathematics: using original sources for learning mathematics

Abstract

The knowledge of the processes in the history of mathematics is very useful for a greater and complete comprehension of the foundations and nature of mathematics. The algebraization of mathematics was a key process in the transformation of the seventeenth century mathematics if we consider two of its relevant features: a new symbolic language and an analytic method for solving problems. The aim of this article, within the framework of the algebraization of mathematics, is to analyze the results of the implementation of a historical activity in a mathematics history course for the bachelor’s degree in mathematics, which includes singular geometric constructions for solving equations. Furthermore, the article shows that students gain a better understanding of the role of the relationship between algebra and geometry in the development of mathematics, which helps them to improve their mathematical training.