Pythagoras

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(Image Source:http://dannarhitect.wordpress.com/pythagoras/)


Areas of Contribution in Mathematics:

  • Applications of Measurement
  • Trigonometric Functions

Contributions to Mathematics:

  • Pythagorean Theorem: c^2 = a^2 + b^2 or the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the square of the two sides
  • * This theorem was known prior to Pythagoras's time but he may have been the first to prove it as an absolute relationship and popularized it among the Greeks

History/Fun Facts:

  • Never left any of his own original writings
  • Was a vegetarian
  • Was very eccentric
  • Had very strict rules for those studying under him
  • Allowed for both men and women to study under him
  • Believed Music and Mathematics were purifying for the soul
  • Passed away 500 BCE

Resources:

Mihalache, Dan. (n.d.). united architects - biographies. In Pythagoras << united architects - biographies. Retrieved March 5, 2011 from http://dannarhitect.wordpress.com/pythagoras/

Ministry of Education. (2007). The Ontario Curriculum Grades 11 and 12 Mathematics. Inwww.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/math1112currb.pdf. Retrieved March 4, 2011 from http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/math1112currb.pdf

Unknown. (n.d.). Pythagoras. In The Philosophy of Pythagoras. Retrieved March 5, 2011 from http://www.thebigview.com/greeks/pythagoras.html