Brahmagupta

Indian mathematician and astronomer whose 'Brahmasphutasiddhanta' (628 AD) was the first text to treat zero as a number in its own right — defining rules for arithmetic with zero and negative numbers. He gave the first general solution to the quadratic equation, introduced the concept of negative numbers, and calculated the length of the solar year to remarkable accuracy. His works were translated into Arabic in the 8th century and profoundly influenced Islamic mathematics.

• Lived: 598 CE – 668 CE
• Nationality: indian
• Roles: mathematician, astronomer