Persia · 1048-1131
Omar Khayyam
Omar Khayyam was mathematician, astronomer, and poet. He classified cubic equations and solved many geometrically through intersections of conic sections.
Biographical and historical reference works document Omar Khayyam’s role and the mathematical work summarized on this page.
3-5, 6-8, 9-12, College
The person and the work
Biography
Omar Khayyam was mathematician, astronomer, and poet associated with Persia. He classified cubic equations and solved many geometrically through intersections of conic sections.
He also worked on calendar reform and critiques of Euclid’s theory of parallels. Together, these contributions connect algebra and functions, geometry and measurement, and trigonometry to the working problems, tools, and questions of the period.
Mathematical contribution
What this hero added or preserved
Core mathematical work
He classified cubic equations and solved many geometrically through intersections of conic sections.
Method, teaching, or application
He also worked on calendar reform and critiques of Euclid’s theory of parallels.
Why this matters
The larger lesson
Omar Khayyam shows that mathematics grows through proof, calculation, observation, design, teaching, or careful records. The lasting lesson is that algebra and functions, geometry and measurement, and trigonometry can turn a difficult question into a method another person can inspect and reuse.
Place the work in time
Timeline
- 1048
Life and working period
Omar Khayyam worked as mathematician, astronomer, and poet in Persia.
- Legacy
Lasting mathematical connection
He also worked on calendar reform and critiques of Euclid’s theory of parallels.
Key idea
An equation balances two descriptions
Omar Khayyam’s work shows how symbols can represent an unknown quantity while preserving equality.
In 7x + 13 = 83, subtracting 13 and dividing by 7 gives x = 10.
Try it yourself
Solve the equation
Solve 7x + 13 = 83.
- Subtract 13 from both sides.
- Divide both sides by 7.
- Substitute the result to check.
Show the answer
x = 10.
Math at work
Navigators and pilots use the same habits
Navigators and pilots use algebra and functions to plan, compare, test, or communicate decisions. Omar Khayyam’s work provides a historical example of that connection.
Keep curiosity alive
A little-known fact
He also worked on calendar reform and critiques of Euclid’s theory of parallels.
Omar Khayyam matters because of only one famous formula or anecdote.
The documented record is broader: He classified cubic equations and solved many geometrically through intersections of conic sections.
Keep exploring
Connected learning paths
Practice these ideas
- Pre-AlgebraBridge arithmetic and algebra with integers, ratios, and equations.
- Algebra IPractice equations, variables, functions, ratios, and inequalities.
- Algebra IIWork with quadratics, polynomials, systems, and sequences.
- GeometryExplore shapes, angles, area, perimeter, volume, and classification.
- Advanced GeometryPractice coordinate geometry, transformations, vectors, and solids.