Robert Recorde facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Recorde
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Robert Recorde (c.1512–1558)
|
|
| Born | c. 1512 Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales
|
| Died | 1558 London, England
|
| Nationality | Welsh |
| Alma mater | University of Oxford University of Cambridge |
| Known for | Inventing the equals sign (=) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Physician and mathematician |
| Institutions | University of Oxford Royal Mint |
Robert Recorde (born around 1512, died 1558) was a smart Welsh doctor and mathematician. He is famous for inventing the equals sign (=). He also helped people in England start using the plus (+) and minus (−) signs in 1557, which were already used elsewhere.
Contents
Robert Recorde's Life Story
Robert Recorde was born in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales, around the year 1512. He was the second and last son of Thomas and Rose Recorde.
Early Education and Career
Around 1525, Robert Recorde began studying at the University of Oxford. He became a Fellow at All Souls College in 1531. A "Fellow" is like a senior member of the college who teaches and does research.
He decided to become a doctor. To do this, he went to the University of Cambridge and earned his medical degree (M.D.) in 1545.
After finishing his medical studies, he went back to Oxford. There, he taught mathematics to many students. He had also taught math before going to Cambridge.
Inventing the Equals Sign
Robert Recorde is best known for inventing the "equals" sign (=). He thought that no two things could be more equal than two parallel lines of the same length. He introduced this new symbol in his book, The Whetstone of Witte, in 1557.
Work for the King and Queen
Later, Robert Recorde moved to London. He worked as a doctor for King Edward VI and later for Queen Mary. Some of his books are even dedicated to Queen Mary.
He also had important jobs in the government. He was in charge of the Royal Mint, which is where coins are made. He also managed mines and money in Ireland.
Later Life
Sadly, Robert Recorde faced some difficulties. He was sued by someone he had a disagreement with. Because of this, he was put in prison for not being able to pay a debt. He passed away in the King's Bench Prison in London in June 1558.
See also
- Equality
- Equals sign
- Equation
- History of mathematical notation
- The Ground of Arts
- Welsh mathematicians
- Zenzizenzizenzic – a very long word coined by Robert Recorde to describe a number raised to the eighth power.
