Antiquity. Pifagor

you are: Antiquity

For All the well-known theorem of elementary geometry is known: the square constructed on a hypotenuse of a rectangular triangle, is equal to the sum of the squares constructed on legs of a triangle. Easier, this theorem is formulated so: the hypotenuse square is equal to the sum of squares of legs of a triangle (с2=а2 + b2). It also is the so-called theorem of Pifagora.

It is necessary to remind that expression of a kind with=and + b was already known to Pifagora in Babylonia and Egypt where this formula used at a marking of right angles.

In the history of mathematics of the Ancient Greece Pifagoru which name is appropriated to this theorem, belongs a place of honour. From historical sources it was possible to establish that he was born about 572 BC on island Samos and has died about 497 in Metaponte (Southern Italy).

This Greek mathematician, the philosopher, the semilegendary founder of the well-known Pythagorean school, the founder of the whole religious philosophical direction - pifagoreizma - starting with representation about number as to a basis of all existing.

According to traditional statements, Pifagor - the initiator both religious-ethical and political ideas, and a scientific direction of the school. There is also an opinion that Pifagor has transferred a geometrical and astronomical science of Egyptians to Greece, vavilonjan and was the initiator of some remarkable scientific researches. Pifagoru creation of bases of the theory of numbers, working out of the concept of a harmony of space and the formulation of the theorem named his name are attributed. He considered itself(himself) as the lineal descendant of god Apollo.

In geometry Pythagoreans have developed theories of parallel lines, the theorem of the sum of corners of a triangle, a quadrangle and correct polygons. Besides, they investigated a circle, correct polyhedrons and a sphere, have opened a correct pentagon and have proved that the plane can be covered by equipotential triangles, squares and hexagons.

For the general development of mathematics special value had opening by Pythagoreans of incommensurable pieces. The theorem of incommensurable pieces (for example, the party and a square diagonal) has led to split among Pythagoreans: one demanded free information interchange, javnosti results of researches, others, on the contrary, aspired to keep opening as fiduciary.

Split has led to formation in Pythagorean community of two directions - scientific and religious-mystical. Supporters of the first direction called the mathematicians, the second - akuzmatikami.

The Merit of the community organised by Pifagorom in mathematics development is so conclusive that the name of this great Greek for ever remains in memory of mankind.