Ancient mathematicians did not use symbols for designation of mathematical expressions and operations. Introduction of mathematical symbols turned algebra into the self-contained section of mathematics and led to serious breaks in other fields of mathematical science.
Mathematicians of ancient Babylon, Egypt and Greece were able to write down and solve mathematical problems, but did it by means of words and numbers (rhetorical algebra) that was tiresome. The system by means of which it would be possible to write down the required answer and all information which is available about it was required.
Verbal record was used till the 19th century when the Persian mathematician al-Horezmi offered serial and logical rules of the solution of the equations, having laid, thus, the foundation of the modern algebra. On behalf of al-Horezmi there is also a word "algorithm". After mathematics, relying on its work, developed system of mathematical symbols, such as +, - and =. Entered also for designation of an unknown and used other letters of the alphabet for variables.
Creation of system of express mathematical characters and symbols facilitated problem solving and turned algebra into the self-contained scientific area. It allowed to use algebra for problem solving of other sciences, and also the tasks arising in everyday life.
Many tasks can be expressed in an algebraic form as the equation. The board which is used up by algebraic expressions is associated with a maths class. Even if the equation the very composite, it is possible to apply reference rules of algebra to it.
Ancient papyruses demonstrate that else in 2000 B.C. ancient Egyptians were able to solve the composite equations with several variables.