England · 1685-1731
Brook Taylor
Brook Taylor was mathematician. He developed the series expansion now called the Taylor series and wrote on perspective and vibrating strings.
Biographical and historical reference works document Brook Taylor’s role and the mathematical work summarized on this page.
6-8, 9-12, College
The person and the work
Biography
Brook Taylor was mathematician associated with England. He developed the series expansion now called the Taylor series and wrote on perspective and vibrating strings.
A Taylor polynomial approximates a function using derivative information at one point. Together, these contributions connect algebra and functions and calculus and change to the working problems, tools, and questions of the period.
Mathematical contribution
What this hero added or preserved
Core mathematical work
He developed the series expansion now called the Taylor series and wrote on perspective and vibrating strings.
Method, teaching, or application
A Taylor polynomial approximates a function using derivative information at one point.
Why this matters
The larger lesson
Brook Taylor shows that mathematics grows through proof, calculation, observation, design, teaching, or careful records. The lasting lesson is that algebra and functions and calculus and change can turn a difficult question into a method another person can inspect and reuse.
Place the work in time
Timeline
- 1685
Life and working period
Brook Taylor worked as mathematician in England.
- Legacy
Lasting mathematical connection
A Taylor polynomial approximates a function using derivative information at one point.
Key idea
An equation balances two descriptions
Brook Taylor’s work shows how symbols can represent an unknown quantity while preserving equality.
In 3x + 10 = 28, subtracting 10 and dividing by 3 gives x = 6.
Try it yourself
Solve the equation
Solve 3x + 10 = 28.
- Subtract 10 from both sides.
- Divide both sides by 3.
- Substitute the result to check.
Show the answer
x = 6.
Math at work
Artists and musicians use the same habits
Artists and musicians use algebra and functions to plan, compare, test, or communicate decisions. Brook Taylor’s work provides a historical example of that connection.
Keep curiosity alive
A little-known fact
A Taylor polynomial approximates a function using derivative information at one point.
Brook Taylor matters because of only one famous formula or anecdote.
The documented record is broader: He developed the series expansion now called the Taylor series and wrote on perspective and vibrating strings.
Keep exploring