Final answer:
One of the Islamic Golden Age's contributions was the development of algebra by Al-Khwarizmi, which marked a significant advancement in mathematics and has profoundly affected modern fields such as engineering, economics, and computer science.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contribution of the Islamic Golden Age
During the Islamic Golden Age, one significant achievement was the advancement in mathematical disciplines, particularly the development of algebra by the scholar Al-Khwarizmi.
His work on algebra (Al-Kitab al-mukhtasar fi hisab al-jabr wal-muqabala) provided a systematic solution to linear and quadratic equations, which laid the groundwork for modern algebra. This contribution was crucial as it moved mathematical thinking beyond the Greek concept of mathematics which was primarily geometric in nature.
The impact of this mathematical innovation is profound as it accelerated the development of mathematics as a science. Algebra has become a foundational element of modern education, underlying diverse fields such as engineering, economics, physics, and computer science.
The term 'algorithm' is also derived from Al-Khwarizmi’s name, signifying the long-lasting effects of his work on modern computational methods.
Furthermore, his contributions to trigonometry and the adoption of Arabic numerals (originally developed in India) laid essential foundations for the global numerical system used today, facilitating trade, economics, and scientific calculation across cultures.