Pythagorean theorem, the well-known geometric theorem that in a right-angled triangle the sum of the squares of the legs is equal to the square of the hypotenuse, or in the familiar algebraic notation - a 2 + b 2 = c 2 , must be known not only to every student, but also to any self-respecting educated person. This article gives a definition of the Pythagorean theorem. It also briefly describes the history of its creation.
History of the Pythagorean Theorem
The definition, which became the basis of mathematical knowledge, has long been associated with the name of the Greek mathematician-philosopher Pythagoras.
According to the Syrian historian Yamblich (about 250-330 AD), the scientist developed his famous theorem for a long time. His scientific career began after Pythagoras met the mathematicians Thales of Miletus and Anaximander and became their student. Then he went to Egypt around 535 BC. e. to continue their research. He was captured during the invasion in 525 BC. e. Cambyses II, king of Persia, and delivered to Babylon.
According to the assumptions of some historians, Pythagoras even managed to visit India, and then again returned to the Mediterranean coast. The scientist soon settled in the Italian Croton and created a school, which in our time would be more logical to call a monastery. This is how Pythagoreanism was born - a spiritual and religious teaching, all of whose followers adhered to strict secrecy vows. All the results of new mathematical research carried out over several centuries were attributed to his name.
The history of the Pythagorean theorem states that the first proof does not belong to Pythagoras. It is likely that he did not prove the theorem, which nevertheless bears his name.
Some scholars believe that the first evidence was shown in the figure. It is interesting to note that similar evidence drawings were independently created and later discovered in several different cultures. So, what does the definition of a right triangle and the Pythagorean theorem sound like? What does the mathematical formula of the latter look like?
Pythagorean Theorem: Definition
First, let's figure out what a right triangle is. Its hallmark is a right angle of 90 degrees. Actually, for this he was nicknamed rectangular!
A visual demonstration of the Pythagorean theorem fully confirms the original proof of an ancient mathematical statement. So, what does the drawing indicate? The area of a square built on the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle is the sum of the areas of the squares that are built on the legs of the right-angled triangle. It follows that in a right-angled triangle the sum of the squares of the legs is equal to the square of the hypotenuse. Formula: a 2 + b 2 = c 2 .
Conclusion
For the past 4 thousand years, the Pythagorean theorem has remained the basis of mathematical and geometric science. Interestingly, there are currently approximately 367 different pieces of evidence. Including the Greek mathematician Papp Alexandria (the peak of whose activity occurred in 320 CE), the Arab doctor and mathematician Tabith ibn Kurr (who lived around 836-901), the Italian artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci (years life: 1452-1519) and even US President James Garfield (1831-1881).
Nevertheless, the initial history of the emergence and definition of the Pythagorean theorem should be known to everyone who associates himself with mathematics and scientific activity. After all, as you know, without knowledge of the past there is no future, and without knowledge of mathematics the present is impossible!