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Calculus And Similarities Between Newton And Leibniz

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In order to dive into precursors to calculus we need to understand exactly what calculus itself is. So what is it? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary calculus is defined as a branch of mathematics that deals mostly with rate of change and with finding lengths, areas, and volumes; it is divided into two types: integral and differential. The calculus we have come to know and love has been around for quite some time, dating all the way back to its “creation” which is credited to Newton and Leibniz. But what if there was an ancient form of “calculus” before our modern calculus? Many ancient civilizations were brilliant and used mathematics in ways that the people before them never could but is there enough evidence to support the theory that calculus was not simply the conception of the two rivals Newton and Leibniz? According to Dr. John H. Lienhard the “bare bones of [calculus] had been hatching before either Newton or Leibniz was born.” Ancient Egypt was one of the civilizations that was “hatching the bare bones” of calculus. We will discuss the problems the ancient Egyptians were trying to solve as well as the methods or techniques they used and why this leads to the conclusion that neither Newton or Leibniz should be solely credited with the birth of calculus.
Ancient Egypt has long been a focus for many of us here in the modern world. With its magnificent architecture, culture, and interesting literature it has baffled the minds of many great thinkers. It is such

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