Babylonian Algebra

I find it very fascinating in which the ways Babylonians denoted mathematics in certain notations when no such thing as current algebraic notation existed.  The fact Babylonians utilized words such as "ush", "sag," "lagab," and "zud" to symbolize different unknown quantities

Prior to algebraic notation, stating mathematical principles was done through the usage of statements, tables, and numerical tablets dedicated for specific principles.

I believe that mathematics is about reproducible logical statements, I think you must generalize in the sense of being able to substitute specific numbers for a general span of numbers n, and the statements must follow certain steps. I do not think one must be abstract entirely when discussing mathematics, I think that specific examples provide intuition. However, generalization and abstraction lead to logic which is reproducible without using specific numbers.

In the case of the Babylonians, their reference to quantities by the means of "ush,"" sag," and etc allow for generalization and abstraction which enables mathematical statements which have larger applications.

Learning calculus or geometries generally or in an abstract manner done through images or complete words which are connected with certain unknown quantities would still be some rudimentary form of algebra. Without any form of algebra, I believe stating general principles would be extremely difficult.

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