robert recorde was the first english mathematician who used the modern symbol of equality in 1557.
robert recorde was the first english mathematician who used the modern symbol of equality in 1557.
who was the first english mathematician who used the modern symbol of equality in 1557?
robert recorde
equals sign









































section::::history.









































the etymology of the word "equal" is from the latin word ""æqualis"" as meaning "uniform", "identical", or "equal", from "aequus" ("level", "even", or "just").









































the "=" symbol that is now universally accepted in mathematics for equality was first recorded by welsh mathematician robert recorde in "the whetstone of witte" (1557). the original form of the symbol was much wider than the present form. in his book recorde explains his design of the "gemowe lines" (meaning "twin" lines, from the latin "gemellus"):
equals sign
it combines several abstract shapes, including a "taiji" symbol illustrating the mutual complement of man and woman. in socialist times, it was alternatively interpreted as two fish symbolizing vigilance, because fish never close their eyes.









































the modern symbol has also been widely used in martial arts, particularly t'ai chi ch'uan (taijiquan), and jeet kune do, since the 1970s.









































in this context, it is generally used to represent the interplay between hard and soft techniques.









































the dots in the modern "yin-yang symbol" have been given the additional interpretation of "intense interaction" between the complementary principles.









































section::::similar symbols.
taijitu