Mathematics is a subject that is taking over the world. Society is introduced to mathematics through their early years of life, such as school, and later on in their occupations. Some people
are mathematicians because of the involvement in mathematics. Their contributions have placed
the subject in a new light and have inspired others. Abu Ali al-Haytham is a man of many
contributions, such as optics, astronomy, and mathematics, especially geometry.
Haytham, or [also know as] Alhazen, lived during the late 900 to early 1000 AD, specifically 980(s) AD to 1040 AD. In Basra, where he grew up, religious dynasties and movements were
takin over and advancements were being made. Haytham was not interested in mathematics and
science
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Although one of the largest contributions he brought forward were seven books dedicated to optics, he also
contributed to geometry and [the] number theory. He established the connected between
algabra and geometry, and it also included his work on perfect numbers (with a formula that was
not proved by him). Most of Haytham's writings were backed up by geometry since he had
such a strength in that subject. He was inspired by the "controversies with contemporaries about
truth and authority and the role of criticism" (Sabra 1), in other words, the debates and critique
towards the two mathematics and science. It took a long time for him to realize his love for math
and science. When he served as a minister, he realized how discontent he was, found his joy
in math and science, and "he feigned madness to escape his official duties" (McElroy 1).
Haytham's contribution was significant during the time period that he lived in and for the others who lived it. In the competitive time period that he lived in, he applied intuition,
mathematical knowledge to be exact, to everything that he did, including the water
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The problems, or equations, that Haytham
thought were impossible to solve were solved later on by other mathematicians with
explanations.
His work on optics included studying "light, particularly its role in eyesight, and produced beautiful results concerning surfaces, reflection, angles, and numbers" (Perkins 15). In one of his
contributions towards geometry, proceeds to prove or replace the fifth postulate with equal
distance and the concept of motion, being [one of] the only mathematician(s) to do so. His work
on the number theory includes the idea of perfect numbers and a certain formula to prove that
even numbers could be prime. The most important thing that Alhazan has talked about is
"scientific intuition", meaning if something is being proved, it has to be backed up with
reasoning and evidence.
"If learning the truth is his goal, is to make himself an enemy of all that he reads, and, applying his mind to the core and margins of its content, attack it from every side" (Sabra 1). His
accomplishments and contributions towards mathematics and science are used today's day and age. His work is taught in schools to everyone who needs to learn the basics