Exclusive: one of the greatest conceptual breakthroughs in mathematics has been traced to the Bakhshali manuscript,dating from the 3rd or 4th centuryNowt, nada, or zilch: there is nothing new about nothingness. But the moment that the absence of stuff became zero,a number in its own correct, is regarded as one of the greatest breakthroughs in the history of mathematics.
Now scientists own traced the origins of this conceptual leap to an ancient Indian text, and known as the Bakhshali manuscript a text which has been housed in the UK since 1902. Related: Mathematical secrets of ancient tablet unlocked after nearly a century of study Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com