Why Brazil Calls the Quadratic Formula “Bhaskara’s Formula”
The quadratic formula, written as
x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 – 4ac}}{2a}
is universally recognized by students worldwide as the standard way to solve quadratic equations. However, in Brazil, this formula is popularly known as “Fórmula de Bhaskara” (Bhaskara’s Formula). This naming surprises many outside Brazil, as the formula is often simply called “the quadratic formula” elsewhere.
The Mathematical Origin
The method for solving quadratic equations dates back thousands of years, appearing in ancient Babylonian, Greek, and Indian mathematics. However, in Indian history, the 12th-century mathematician Bhaskara II (also known as Bhaskara Acharya) documented a clear and systematic method for solving these equations. His approach closely resembles the modern quadratic formula, including the use of positive and negative roots.
Who Was Bhaskara II?
Bhaskara II was born in 1114 CE in Bijapur, India, and is regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians of medieval India. He authored the famous mathematical treatise “Siddhanta Shiromani”, which covered arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and astronomy.
In his algebra section, called “Bijaganita”, he presented a procedure for solving quadratic equations that mirrors the structure of the formula used today. His work influenced not only Indian scholars but also, through translations, mathematicians in the Islamic world and later Europe.
Why Brazil Uses His Name
The connection between Bhaskara II and Brazil comes from the way Brazilian school curricula historically introduced the quadratic formula. In Brazilian textbooks, particularly from the 20th century onward, the formula was presented as “Bhaskara’s formula” to honor his documented method.
Teachers continued the tradition, and over decades, it became ingrained in Brazil’s educational culture. As a result, every Brazilian student grows up learning that the quadratic formula is Bhaskara’s, even though the idea existed in other ancient civilizations as well.
Cultural Persistence
Unlike in the United States or Europe, where the formula is rarely associated with a specific mathematician, Brazil’s naming convention gives a face to the equation. This naming also helps students remember the historical context, making math feel less abstract and more connected to real people from history.
The meme in the image humorously captures this cultural difference: when asked what the formula is called, a Brazilian student proudly answers “Bhaskara’s formula,” and the entire classroom celebrates the familiarity.
The Meme Connection
The meme uses characters from The Simpsons to portray the excitement of Brazilian students when they hear the name. This reflects a shared cultural inside joke — the rest of the world calls it “the quadratic formula,” but for Brazilians, the name “Bhaskara” is almost sacred in math class memories.
Historical Impact
Bhaskara II’s influence goes beyond Brazil. His works were translated into Persian and Arabic, and through the Islamic Golden Age, his methods reached Europe. However, only in Brazil did his name become the standard label for the quadratic equation method, showing how educational traditions can vary widely across countries.
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In conclusion, calling it Bhaskara’s formula in Brazil is both a nod to historical mathematics and a cultural tradition. While the formula itself is universal, the Brazilian name highlights the country’s unique way of keeping mathematical history alive in the classroom.
