The Pythagorean Theorem

The Pythagorean Theorem

The Pythagorean Theorem is a system in which a^2 + b^2 = c^2. This is the relation in Euclidean geometry among the three sides of a triangle. This theorem is named after an Ionian Greek mathematician and philosopher by the name of Pythagoras of Samos, conveniently enough. Although this theorem was evident to the Babylonians a thousand years before, Pythagoras was the first to decisively prove it. This theorem is a basis for much of the building world today. The Pythagorean Theorem is one of the oldest functional types of work because it is so effective.
Pythagoras was born on the island of Samos, Greece in 569 BC, and died about 500 BC in Metapontum, Lucania. He traveled extensively in Egypt, learning math, astronomy and music. Pythagoras was also a healer, a wrestler, and was politically active. Pythagoras did much more than just discover what is now referred to as the Pythagorean Theorem. Pythagoras and his followers contributed to music, astronomy and mathematics. Pythagoras believed in secrecy and communalism, so distinguishing his work from the work of his followers is almost impossible. Some of their discoveries were right, and some were proven wrong in time. Pythagoras founded a philosophical and religious school in Croton (now Crotone, on the east of the heel of southern Italy) that had many followers. Pythagoras was the head of the society with an inner circle of followers known as mathematikoi. The mathematikoi lived permanently with the Society, had no personal possessions and were vegetarians. They were taught by Pythagoras himself and obeyed
strict rules. The beliefs that Pythagoras held were that at its deepest level, reality is mathematical in nature; that philosophy can be used for spiritual purification; that philosophy can be used...