How The Equals Sign Was Invented 🟰 🤨(explained)

Описание: Before the equals sign existed, math was surprisingly wordy. In the early 1500s, mathematicians didn’t use symbols like “=”. Instead, they wrote phrases such as “is equal to” or “is the same as” every single time — which made equations long, slow to write, and hard to read.

That changed in 1557, thanks to a Welsh mathematician named Robert Recorde. While writing his math book “The Whetstone of Witte,” Recorde grew frustrated with repeating the same words over and over. He wanted a symbol that was simple, clear, and universal.

So he invented two short, parallel lines — the equals sign =.

Recorde explained his idea by saying that no two things can be more equal than a pair of parallel lines of the same length. Visually, it made perfect sense: the lines look balanced, matching, and identical — just like equal values.

At first, the symbol didn’t catch on quickly. Many mathematicians stuck to writing words, and some even used different symbols. But over time, the equals sign proved to be faster, cleaner, and easier to understand.

By the 1700s, the equals sign became standard in mathematics across Europe — and eventually the entire world.

Today, = is one of the most recognizable symbols ever created. It’s used not just in math, but in science, technology, programming, and everyday life — all thanks to one mathematician who got tired of writing the same words again and again.

A simple idea… that changed math forever. 🟰✨