John Pell and the Obelus
On March 1, 1611, English mathematician John Pell was born. Pell introduced the division sign (obelus, ÷) into England. The obelus was first used by Johann Rahn (1622-1676) in 1659 in Teutsche Algebra. Rahn’s book was interpreted into English and published, with additions made by John Pell. John Pell attended Trinity College, Cambridge and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1628. Two years later, Pell received his master’s degree and began teaching at Chichester…
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