Mathematics is an area of study that is considered to be constant throughout ages and cultures, but the representations of mathematics vary a great deal. One area that is of particular interest is the history of the symbols used within mathematics, especially the "plus" and "minus" signs.The modern symbols, which are "+" and "-," are a relatively recent addition to mathematics. In ancient times,
. the Egyptians used a sign that resembled two disembodied legs walking. If they were pointed in one direction, they represented addition, and if they pointed the other direction, they represented subtraction.The first step toward the development of the modern symbols came in 15th century Europe. The letters "P" and "M" were used to indicate "Piu" and "Meno," which are the Latin terms for plus and minus. The plus symbol soon developed, and was essentially a shortened version of the Latin word "et," which means "and." So, in a mathematical formula, the sign was used to symbolize that one number "and" another number equal something. The exact origin of the minus sign is less certain, but it is likely that it came from a similar Latin source. In 1557, Robert Recorde formally recorded the meanings of each of these signs when he wrote, "There be other 2 signes in often use of which the first is made thus + and betokeneth more: the other is thus made "" and betokeneth lesse."Today, of course, the plus and minus symbols are ubiquitous. It is important to remember, however, that they are only valuable in so much as they are able to represent the underlying concepts of mathematics. There may come a time when these symbols are replaced by other symbols that also represent the concepts of adding and subtracting. Until then, however, the current symbols serve quite nicely, and understanding their history helps to better understand mathematics.More reference links: http://www.roma.unisa.edu.au/07305/symbols.htm http://www.wsmc.net/pubs/WaMath/DecJan_2007/HistoryAddition.pdf
