The Pythagorean Theorem: A 4,000-Year History

By Eli Maor

Book Overview

By any measure, the Pythagorean theorem is the most famous statement in all of mathematics. In this book, Eli Maor reveals the full story of this ubiquitous geometric theorem. Maor shows that the theorem, although attributed to Pythagoras, was known to the Babylonians more than a thousand years earlier. Pythagoras may have been the first to prove it, but his proof--if indeed he had one--is lost to us. The theorem itself, however, is central to almost every branch of science, pure or applied. Maor brings to life many of the characters that played a role in the development of the Pythagorean theorem, providing a fascinating backdrop to perhaps our oldest enduring mathematical legacy.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0691148236
• ISBN13: 9780691148236
• Release Date: August 2010
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Length: 280 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.2" x 9.2"
• Age Range: 14 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 9 to 12

Customer Reviews

The Univerisal Story of the Pythagorean theorem+

As a social history book,you will probably be overwhelmed by the math formulas.As a mathmetical history book,you will be impressed by the story of this classical theorem.I never realised that so many of the isolated ancient cultures,developed their own version of the theorem.Much like the story of the 'Great Flood',it became a part of the universal folk-history of mankind.The noted scholars of yesteryear elucidated a profound...

Probably the World's Best-Known Theorem

Eli Maor is a fine mathematician who has produced some wonderful books on math topics for a general--well, let me say, educated--readership. His book, Trigonometric Delights, is my favorite. It is very interesting and engaging. I want to say "for an educated reader" again, though it seems rather redundant. Why would anyone who didn't know anything about trig and have an interest in the subject even bother to pick up the...

Behold the Book!

The Pythagorean Theorem could rightfully be called the 'Crown Jewel of Mathematics'. For from its truths and intellectual spawn come all the wonders of our modern word--high rises, automobiles, cell phones, interplanetary probes, you name it! Unfortunately, the last serious book on this subject was written over 80 years ago by an Ohio school teacher, Elisha Loomis. Enter Dr. Eli Maor! He has written an absolutely marvelous...