Philosophers

Euclid

He was also known as Eucli Square roots are used in finance (rates of return over 2
years), normal distributions (probability density functions), lengths & distances
(Pythagorean Theorem), quadratic formula (height of falling objects), radius of circles,
simple harmonic motion (pendulums & springs), and standard deviation.d of Alexandria
and referred to as the father of geometry deduced the Euclidean geometry.

The name has it all, which in Greek means “renowned, glorious”. He worked his entire
life in the field of mathematics and made revolutionary contributions to geometry.

Plato

He showed the underlying form of his philosophy —mathematics specifically pure

geometry. Plato rejected the relativism championed by Sophists like Protagoras of
Abdera (l. c. 485-415 BCE). The Platonic School, the most famous of all was founded y
Plato (427-327 B.C.) in 387 B.C. in Athens.

Plato claimed, "of all things a man is the measure" – that the individual alone defined
truth – and insisted on universal, eternal truths that informed what was recognized as
'truth' on earth.

Pythagoras

This genius achieved in his contributions in mathematics and become the father of the
theorem of Pythagoras. He made the Pythagoras theorem. The Pythagorean School
was founded by Pythagoras in about 585 B.C. More on this later.

A brief list of Pythagorean contributions includes: Philosophy, proportion, plane and

solid geometry, number theory, theory of proof, and discovery of incommensurables.

Archimedes

Archimedes is great talent from the land of the Greek. He thrived for gaining knowledge
in mathematical education and made various contributions. He is best known for
antiquity and the invention of compound pulleys and screw pump.

A pulley is a wheel with a grooved rim around which a cord passes, changing the
direction of a force applied to the cord and is chiefly used to raise heavy weights. A
screw pump is a part of the dry compressed gas transfer pump series. They are positive
displacement pumps that use one or more screws to move fluid or water along the
screw shaft.

Thales of Miletus

He was the first individual to whom a mathematical discovery was attributed. He’s best
known for his work in calculating the heights of pyramids and the distance of the ships
from the shore using geometry. The Ionian School was founded by Thales (643- 546
B.C.). Thales is sometimes credited with having given the first deductive proofs.
X

He pushed it partway into the ground so that it stood up straight, and he measured the
height of the stick. He reasoned that when the length of the stick's shadow equaled the
height of the stick, the height of the pyramid would equal the length of its shadow.

Aristotle

He was a pupil of Plato therefore it’s not a surprise that he had a vast knowledge and
made contributions towards Platonism. Tutored Alexander the Great and established a
library that aided in the production of hundreds of books. Aristotle had developed a
mathematical notion of continuity.

Diophantus

He was a Hellenistic Greek mathematician and was best known as the father of algebra
and attributed to a series of books. His equations can be defined as polynomial
equations in several unknowns. The compilations of his books were called Arithmetica.

Eratosthenes

He’s best known as the person who calculated the circumference of the earth, also the
first one to calculate the tilt of the Earth’s axis. Both of the calculations were remarkably
accurate, therefore he became world famous for his incredibly accurate calculations.

circumference at a given latitude as c = 2 π r E cos ⁡θ = equatorial circumference × cos.

Earth at the equator or equatorial circumference. Therefore, we can express the

Hipparchus

He was the founder of trigonometry and the first to develop a reliable method to predict
solar eclipses. He possessed the first mathematical trigonometric table.

Hipparchus discovered the precessions of equinoxes by comparing his notes with

earlier observers; his realization that the points of solstice and equinox moved slowly
from east to west against the fixed background of the stars was one of his most
significant achievements.

Heron of Alexandria

He described a method for computing the square root of a number. This method is
known as the Hero’s formula in today’s world, thereby gaining became more famously
known as the ‘Hero of Alexandria’.

The basic idea of Heron's method, named after the mathematician and engineer, Heron
of Alexandria, is to find a number g that is close to n and to then average that with the
number n/g, which corrects for the fact that g either over- or underestimates n.

Ptolemy

The author/writer and mathematician took the advantage of his knowledge over the two
fields to write several scientific researches. The Great treatise is one of his renowned
works now known as Almagest.

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The Almagest is a 2nd-century mathematical and astronomical treatise on the apparent
motions of the stars and planetary paths, written by Claudius Ptolemy ( c. AD 100 – c.

Xenocrates

Xenocrates is known to have written a book on numbers, theory of numbers and

geometry. He had the unique talent of calculating the syllables out of an alphabet. One
attempted to find the total number of syllables that could be made from the letters of the
alphabet.

Xenocrates tried to calculate the total number of syllables that can be made out of 26
alphabets. According to Plutarch, Xenocrates got the total number of ways to
1,002,000,000,000. His written a book On Numbers, and a Theory of Numbers, besides
books on geometry.

Anaxagoras

Anaxagoras gave a number of novel scientific accounts of natural phenomena. Due to

his exceptional knowledge over mathematics and astronomy, he produced the correct
explanation of eclipses and description of the sun as a fiery mass larger than the
Peloponnese.

Anaxagoras proposed that the moon shines by reflected light from the "red-hot stone"
which was the sun, the first such recorded claim. He also explained meteors and
rainbows.

Hypatia

Hypaitia of Alexandria was the daughter of a mathematician and took her father as an
inspiration to become a mathematician herself. Not only was she a mathematician but a
philosopher as well. She taught as the head at a school, her subject was the knowledge
of Plato and Aristotle.

She is the first woman to make valuable contributions in the field of mathematics.
Hypaitia was the first woman to take the bold step to pursue with her dreams and
became an inspiration to many young women who became the world’s most famous
geniuses ever. Hypatia's contributions involved several fields of mathematics including
advanced geometry, computation methods, and applications to astronomy.

Antiphon

Antiphon was the first to give an upper and lower bound for the values of Pi by
inscribing and then circumscribing a polygon around a circle and finally proceeding to
calculate the polygon's areas. The method was applied to squaring the circle.

He made comprehensive changes in the world of mathematics through his profound

knowledge of the subject that is known and applied in the modern day.

Diocles

Diocles was a philosopher, priest, an emperor, mathematician and geometer. This

famous mathematician was most popularly known for his work in the sub-classification
of geometry.
X

His name is associated with the geometric curve called the Cissoid of Diocles. This
method was used in solving the problem of doubling the cube.

History

2800 BC

The best estimate is that the Greek civilization dates back about the time of the
construction of the great pyramids in Egypt.

We cannot deny the fact that mathematics already existed before the Greeks. They are
the ones who gathered and came up with formulas and concepts to meaningfully create
the parts of mathematics we have in the present

775 BC

Greeks changed from a hieroglyphic writing to the Phoenician alphabet. This allowed
them to become more literate, or at least more facile in their ability to express
conceptual thought.

The easier the ways of communication, the faster they can come up with collaborative
ideas.

600 BC

The ancient Greek civilization lasted. The Egyptian and Babylonian influence was
greatest in Miletus, a city of Ionia in Asia Minor and the birthplace of Greek philosophy,
mathematics and science.

600 BC - 300 BC

The Classical Period started and ended.

585 BC

Greek mathematics, the study of numbers and their properties, patterns, structure,
space, apparent change, and measurement, is said to have originated with Thales of
Miletus (585 BC)

But was clearly understood during the periods of the Minoan civilization and the
Mycenaean Civilization and was derived from older Mesopotamian and Egyptian
mathematical system.

585 BC

Thales used his mathematics became more theoretical as he proposed axioms, proofs,
defined the meaning of number, and developed geometry to accurately tell that the said
year will have a solar eclipse.

Thales' Theorem (to find the center of a circle), and applied mathematics to astronomy,
accurately predicting the solar eclipse.

571-497 BC
Thales and Pythagoras, viewed mathematics as a means for apprehending truth and
elevated it from the level of a simple pragmatic instrument. None of Thales' writings
have survived.

But he is considered the first mathematician of Greece for introducing geometry and, it
seems, for how he applied it. Pythagoras made mathematics central to his philosophy
which advocated, among other things, reincarnation in the belief that the soul, like
numbers.

530 - 450 BC

Hippasus of Metapontum was credited with discovering irrational numbers, and his work
was further developed by Theodorus of Cyrene (5th century BC).

470 - 385 BC

Philolaus of Croton developed the pyrocentric model of the universe and was the
teacher of the great mathematician Archytas of Tarentum (5th century BCE).

424 BC - 322 BC

Plato and Aristotle whose philosophies were informed by mathematics, notably

geometry.

310- 120 BC

The best-known Greek mathematician is the inventor and engineer Archimedes of

Syracuse, but other notables include Eratosthenes, Apollonius of Perga,
Aristarchus of Samos, Hipparchus of Nicea were thinkers becoming the
foundation to develop further by the mathematics.

300 BC - 300 AD

the Alexandrian or Hellenistic period from 300 B.C. to 300 A.D. Indeed, from about 350
B.C. the center of mathematics moved from Athens to Alexandria (in Egypt), the city
built by Alexander the Great (358 -323 B.C.).

300 BC

Euclid established geometry through his famous Elements and is known as the "Father
of Geometry."

Preserving and advancing their work, which allowed for mathematical progress into the
modern era.

62 AD

Heron is best known for this formula: If a, b, and c are the lengths of the sides: Area =
Square root of √s(s – a)(s – b)(s – c) where s is half the perimeter, or (a + b + c)/2.

75 AD

Heron proves the formula √s(s—a) (s—b) (s—c) for the area of triangle, where s =
(a+b+c) is the semi-perimeter. This was likely known to Archimedes; Heron's work was
a compilation of earlier mathematics.

100 AD
The Neopythagorean's worked in Alexandria, studying music, philosophy, and number,
with the intent of reviving the teachings of Pythagoras.

200 AD

We could go on with Diophantus, author of a series of books called Arithmetica, which is

seen as the “highest point of Alexandrian algebra,” with its “most striking feature” being
the solution of indeterminate algebraic equations.

200 AD

Diophantus who had consciously introduced symbolism to make algebraic writing more
compact and efficient.

250 - 350 AD

The Silver Age of Ancient Greek Mathematics, during this period Diophantus made
significant advances in algebra, particularly indeterminate analysis. It is known as
Diophantine Analysis. A Diophantine equation and a polynomial are one and the same.

290 AD

The last of the greats is Pappus, known for his Collection, and his hexagon theorem in
projective geometry.

395 AD

The Roman empire split into eastern and western parts centered on Rome and
Byzantium/Constantinople.

400 AD

Theon and Hypatia produce the most widely-read edition of Euclid's Elements as well as
improving upon several earlier mathematical topics.

415 AD

Alexandria experienced riots and a bloody power-struggle (Hypatia was murdered by a

mob) and the library of Alexandria was severely damaged and possibly destroyed at this
time.

500 AD

The western empire rapidly declined under the pressures of corruption and barbarian
attacks, collapsing completely.

642 AD

Alexandria was captured by the new Islamic caliphate. Much of the material in the
library survived by being copied and transported to various places of learning;
particularly Constantinople and Baghdad.

700 AD

It remained the center of mathematics for a millennium until the library was sacked by
the Muslim.

INFORMATION NEEDED TO SUPPORT CLAIMS

Greek mathematics, then, acknowledged as based on earlier systems, dates to the 6th
century BCE. The Minoan and Mycenean systems were lost during the Greek Dark Age
and have not been reconstructed. Thales of Miletus, therefore, is generally understood
as the first to introduce theoretical mathematics to Greece, even though the discipline
existed prior to his time in other regions.

The Sumerians of Mesopotamia had already developed sophisticated mathematics by

the Early Dynastic Period (2900-2334 BCE) with a sexagesimal place notation of 60.

The Sumerian system provides evidence of an understanding of addition, subtraction,

multiplication, division, algebra, geometry, reciprocals, squares, and quadratic
equations. The Egyptians, more practical and conservative, worked in addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division with elements of calculus and, perhaps, algebra.
As noted, the Mesopotamians and Egyptians used mathematics for practical purposes.

It is therefore inaccurate to claim the Greeks invented mathematics, though this

assertion has been advanced for centuries, and more precise to say they developed
mathematical concepts further than earlier civilizations.

Significance Contribution in Mathematics

Euclid

Euclid concluded the theorems of what is now called Euclidean geometry in Euclid's
Elements from a small set of axioms. Euclid's contributions include works on number
theory, perspective, mathematical rigor, conic sections, number theory, and spherical
geometry.

Plato

Geometry became so significant since it led to more studies to further understand how
shapes and planes can work together. Geometry highlights the importance of fully
recognizing how powerful shapes and planes are and how it can impact our lives in the
present.

Pythagoras

The Pythagorean Theorem is useful for two-dimensional navigation. You can use it and
two lengths to find the shortest distance.

The distances north and west will be the two legs of the triangle, and the shortest line
connecting them will be the diagonal. The same principles can be used for air
navigation.

Archimedes

Pumps and screws are considered simple machines which lessen the workload of a
person. The main purpose of their work is to help people work their jobs with ease.

Thales of Miletus

Upon discovering the heights of the pyramid by certain solution and formula, it managed
to open the eyes of the people towards the importance of finding the heights of certain
objects and how it affects the people and their surroundings.

Aristotle

Aristotle has formulated a notion where divisibility without end is crucial. The important
contribution of Aristotle is that he brought in new notions related to continuity.
Diophantus

Algebra teaches you to follow a logical path to solve a problem. This, in turn, allows you
to have a better understanding of how numbers function and work together in an
equation.

Eratosthenes

Circumference can tell us how large a circular disk is, how much distance is covered by
a car wheel per cycle, and the space available on the top of a cylindrical can.

Circumference is also called the perimeter, which helps to identify the length of the
outline of any shape. As we know, the perimeter and area of a circle are the two
important parameters of a circle.

Hipparchus

Trigonometric functions are used in obtaining unknown angles and distances from
known or measured angles in geometric figures.

Trigonometry developed from a need to compute angles and distances in such fields as
astronomy, mapmaking, surveying, and artillery range finding.

Heron of Alexandria

Square roots are used in finance in normal, lengths & and distances, quadratic formula
(height of falling objects), radius of circles, simple harmonic motion (pendulums &
springs), and standard deviation.

Ptolemy

Almagest, astronomical manual written about 150 ce by Ptolemy (Claudius Ptolemaeus

of Alexandria). It served as the basic guide for Islamic and European astronomers until
about the beginning of the 17th century.

Xenocrates

Number theory is important because of the simple sequence of counting numbers from
one to infinity. Number theory helps to discover interesting relationships between
different types of numbers and to prove that they are true. Number theory is part
experimental and part theoretical.

Anaxagoras

Solar eclipses helped scientists decipher the Sun's structure and explosive events, find
evidence for the theory of general relativity, and discover a new element, among other
things

Hypatia

A computational model can be used to make predictions of the system's behaviour

under different conditions, often for cases in which intuitive analytical solutions are not
available.

Antiphon

The constant π helps us understand our universe with greater clarity. The definition of π
inspired a new notion of the measurement of angles, a new unit of measurement.
Diocles

The Cissoid of Diocles is a cubic plane curve notable for the property that it can be used
to construct two mean proportionals to a given ratio. In particular, it can be used to
double a cube.

Other Related Topics

Attic or Herodianic numerals

The ancient Greek numeral system,known as Attic or Herodianic numerals, was fully
developed by about 450 BCE, and in regular use possibly as early as the 7th Century
BCE. It was a base 10 system similar to the earlier Egyptian one (and even more similar
to the later Roman system), with symbols for 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 repeated
as many times needed to represent the desired number.

Addition was done by totalling separately the symbols (1s, 10s, 100s, etc) in the
numbers to be added, and multiplication was a laborious process based on successive
doublings (division was based on the inverse of this process).

The Three Classical Problems

Three geometrical problems in particular, often referred to as the Three Classical

Problems, and all to be solved by purely geometric means using only a straight edge
and a compass, date back to the early days of Greek geometry: "the squaring (or
quadrature) of the circle", "the doubling (or duplicating) of the cube" and "the trisection
of an angle".

These intransigent problems were profoundly influential on future geometry and led to
many fruitful discoveries, although their actual solutions (or, as it turned out, the proofs
of their impossibility) had to wait until the 19th Century.

Zeno's Paradox of Achilles and the Tortoise

It was the Greeks who first grappled with the idea of infinity, such as described in the
well-known paradoxes attributed to the philosopher Zeno of Elea in the 5th Century
BCE. The most famous of his paradoxes is that of Achilles and the Tortoise, which
describes a theoretical race between Achilles and a tortoise.

Achilles gives the much slower tortoise a head start, but by the time Achilles reaches
the tortoise's starting point, the tortoise has already moved ahead. By the time Achilles
reaches that point, the tortoise has moved on again, etc, so that in principle the swift
Achilles can never catch up with the slow tortoise.

The Mathematical Terms of Greek Origin

gōnia (ywvia) "corner or angle." trigōnon (tpiywvov) "triangle." tetragonon (TETρȧуwνov)

"square." pentagonon (пεντáушvον) "pentagon." hexagōnon (ópeóc) "straight, upright,
right." (ètȧywvov) "hexagon." orthogonion (óployшvlov) "rectangle" from orthos

Mathiamo
Mathematics was derived from the Greek word "mathema", which means "that which is
learnt"; while its modern Greek equivalent is

"mathaimo".

Uses of Mathematics to Ancient Greek

Ancient Greek philosophers endeared to an understanding of nature and its natural

order. They were drawn to similarities and differences of natural objects and natural
patterns. From this they embraced mathematics for its ability to describe the natural,
especially as geometric patterns.

Key Features of Greek Mathematics

The crucial feature of Greek mathematics was that logic was used not only to solve
specific types of problems, but also to organize the subject. Perhaps the best known
consequence of the Greek approach to mathematics is the very strong emphasis on
justifying results by means of logical proofs.

Deductive Reasoning

Greeks refined analytical methods by introducing deductive reasoning and

mathematical rigor in proofs. Rigor was a thoroughness and attention to detail for
improving accuracy.

Proofs established analytical methods as having a formalized structure of importance

was the suitability of mathematics to analytical methods.

Studies of Different Mathematics Concepts

Greek mathematic studied the numbers and their properties, patterns, structure, space,
apparent change, and measurement, is said to have originated with Thales of Miletus
but was clearly understood during the periods of the Minoan civilization and the
Mycenaean Civilization.

Circumference of the Planets

The Greeks applied their skills in math to help describe the stars and the planets. They
theorized that the Earth may orbit the Sun and came up with a fairly accurate estimate
for the circumference of the Earth.