First, the development of mathematics.
(1) The first stage: the formation period of mathematics (ancient times-6th century BC), which is the period when human beings established the most basic mathematical concepts. Since counting, human beings have gradually established the concept of natural numbers, simple calculation methods, and recognized the most basic and simplest geometric forms. Arithmetic and geometry are not separated.
(2) The second stage: The basic and simplest achievements in the period of elementary mathematics and constant mathematics (6th century BC-AD17th century) constitute the main content of middle school mathematics, which lasted about two thousand years. This period gradually formed the main branches of elementary mathematics: arithmetic, geometry and algebra.
(3) The third stage of variable mathematics (from the beginning of17th century to the end of19th century) came into being in17th century, and went through two decisive and significant steps: the first step was the generation of analytic geometry; The second step is the creation of calculus.
(4) The fourth stage: the period of modern mathematics (starting at the end of19th century), the beginning of the modern stage of mathematics development, which is characterized by profound changes in all its foundations-algebra, geometry and analysis.
Second, the significance and value of mathematics
(1) Mathematics is the foundation of all sciences and an important channel for cultivating logical thinking. It can be said that every major progress of our human beings is a strong support for the subject of mathematics. Without math, there would be no cell phones, computers, televisions and even the space shuttle, and there would be no colorful life today. Learning mathematics well will make our thinking more rational and agile, and our minds more flexible. Mathematics can make us think more carefully when thinking about any problem, rather than thinking.
(2) Learning mathematics well gives us not only knowledge, but also a kind of ability and logical thinking ability. With a breakthrough, you can deduce it step by step along your own premises and assumptions. Strictly following mathematical reasoning can ensure the order of the process and the logic of the result.
(3) The most taboo in writing and communication is "inconsistency", and learning math well can effectively improve this kind of problem. This ability, including observing experiments, collecting information and logical reasoning, will benefit for life.