Exploring the history of an object or mathematical concept using mathematical functions as a case study (Q6589730)

The author develops his ideas on how the history of mathematics should be presented objectively and accurately. He points out that concepts and theorems have often evolved over time and that the historically correct forms must be dealt with in order to analyse the developmental stage historically correctly and avoid any anachronism. At the same time, the expert knowledge of the potential audience must be taken into account. The author then illustrates his ideas with three examples: the formulation and proof of the fundamental theorem of algebra, the formation of the concept of variable magnitude and the development of the concept of function, the latter being the case. The study ranges from the 17th to the 20th century.