Famous Mathematicians

Great thinkers whose work has helped shaped today's world.

Pythagoras

Image of Pythagoras

We do not have any authentic depictions of Pythagoras, as he lived long before the advent of portraiture. Most images of Pythagoras that exist are artistic interpretations created many centuries later.

570BCE

495BCE

Pythagoras was a famous mathematician known for his contributions in geometry and number theory. He is best known for the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. This theorem is widely used in mathematics and physics, even today.

Apart from the Pythagorean theorem, Pythagoras also made significant discoveries in music theory and astronomy. He believed in the mystical qualities of numbers and is credited with creating the concept of the 'music of the spheres,' which proposed that celestial bodies create a harmonious sound as they move through the universe.

Pythagoras founded a school in Croton, Italy, where he taught his mathematical and philosophical beliefs to his followers. His work laid the foundation for much of modern mathematics, and his legacy continues to inspire students and mathematicians around the world."

CC BY-SA 3.0 The GeoGebra Content Team

Pythagoras  Activity

Appreciate the work of Pythagoras by trying some of the maths that this mathematician is known for.

There is an activity called Pythagoras that you could try right now. An online exercise to test your understanding of and ability to apply Pythagoras' Theorem.

So there's no better time than the present to learn some mathematics from the past: let's Go!

Transum has many activities for the topic 'Pythagoras' and recommends you try some of them.

Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today: let's Go!

THE HISTORY OF MATHEMATICS PAGE

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