History of Mathematics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

History of Mathematics - Essay Example For instance, with the use of sequence, one may be able to solve how many pairs of rabbits will be produced annually assuming that each pair reproduces a new pair monthly with the new pair becoming productive starting from the second month (Boyer & Merzbach 256). Furthermore, the sequence may be applied to phyllotaxy or growth patterns of plant leaves as they spiral up the stem or trunk. With the sequence, the plant may not have to be stripped to determine the age or rings of the trunk ("Wikipedia"). The Dark Ages refers to the period in the Middle Ages to the first few centuries after the fall of Rome when knowledge including those pertaining to mathematics is said to deteriorate. This is evidenced by the textbooks used by Church schools in the Middle Ages were based on the primitive works of Cassiodorus and Isidore of Seville and featured limited coverage of arithmetic of Boethius. The only use of mathematics identified was for ecclesiastical calendars and growth in mathematical knowledge is limited to the representation of number by means of the fingers. (Boyer & Merzbach 249) This period is dubbed as the Dark Ages to reflect the loss of enlightenment provided by classical learning and prevalence of ignorance and barbarism (Hirsch, Kett & Trefil).