Which mathematician is credited with developing the coordinate plane after observing a fly on the ceiling?

Rene Descartes is credited with developing the coordinate plane and is well-known for introducing Cartesian coordinates, which provide a systematic way to describe the position of points in a plane using pairs of numbers (x, y). The story of Descartes observing a fly on the ceiling illustrates his insight into connecting geometric concepts with algebraic equations.

In this system, each point corresponds to a unique pair of numerical coordinates, allowing for the representation of geometric shapes algebraically. This innovation paved the way for analytical geometry, where algebra and geometry converge, enabling complex shapes and curves to be analyzed using algebraic expressions. Descartes' contribution fundamentally changed the way mathematics could be approached, allowing for a unified method of analyzing planes and shapes using algebraic techniques. This advancement has had a tremendous impact on various fields, including physics, engineering, and computer science, where the coordinate system is consistently utilized for modeling and problem-solving.