Final answer:
Mathematics was fundamental in the advancement of Islamic and South Asian societies, yielding major contributions like the creation of Arabic numerals and the invention of algebra and trigonometry. These developments fueled geographical exploration, scientific progress, and the intercultural exchange that led to the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mathematics played a crucial role in the development of the Islamic and South Asian civilizations, leading to notable advances in various fields. The creation of Arabic numerals, based on Hindu characters, significantly simplified calculations compared to Roman numerals. Furthermore, the Abbasids invented algebra and trigonometry, paving the way for scientific progress. In the area of geographical exploration, the accuracy of maps and new navigational technologies like the astrolabe improved thanks to these mathematical achievements.
In the Indian subcontinent, mathematics was intertwined with its practical application. The knowledge of zero and infinity had deep philosophical and religious roots in both Buddhism and Jainism. Seminal mathematical contributions, including decimals and the concept of zero, emerged during this period.
The exchange of knowledge between Indians, Arabs, and Europeans transformed and enhanced mathematical understanding globally. This intercultural scholarship set the foundation for the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, replacing superstition with concrete scientific knowledge.
Significant Persian and Indian mathematicians, such as Al-Khwarizmi and Aryabhata, had a profound influence on European mathematical thought, which fostered further intellectual growth during the Renaissance and beyond.