Overview

An exploration of one of the most celebrated and well-known theorems in mathematicsBy 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. Although attributed to Pythagoras, the theorem 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 its history, providing a fascinating backdrop to perhaps our oldest enduring mathematical legacy.

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There is something intoxicating about seeing one truth revealed in so many ways. It all makes for hours of glorious mathematical distraction. -Ben Longstaff, New Scientist A popular account of important ideas and their development. -Peter M. Neumann, Times Higher Education Supplement If one has never read a book by Eli Maor, this book is a great place to start. -J. Johnson, Choice Maor expertly tells the story of how this simple theorem known to schoolchildren is part and parcel of much of mathematics itself. -Amy Shell-Gellasch, MAA Reviews At last, a popular book that isn't afraid to print a mathematical formula in all its symbolic glory! Thanks to Eli Maor for proving-in his delightful, playful way-the eternal importance of a three-sided idea as old as humankind. -Dava Sobel, author of Longitude

At last, a popular book that isn't afraid to print a mathematical formula in all its symbolic glory! Thanks to Eli Maor for proving-in his delightful, playful way-the eternal importance of a three-sided idea as old as humankind. -Dava Sobel, author of Longitude Maor expertly tells the story of how this simple theorem known to schoolchildren is part and parcel of much of mathematics itself. -Amy Shell-Gellasch, MAA Reviews If one has never read a book by Eli Maor, this book is a great place to start. -J. Johnson, Choice A popular account of important ideas and their development. -Peter M. Neumann, Times Higher Education Supplement There is something intoxicating about seeing one truth revealed in so many ways. It all makes for hours of glorious mathematical distraction. -Ben Longstaff, New Scientist

Author Information

Eli Maor is the author of seven books, including Music by the Numbers, Trigonometric Delights, To Infinity and Beyond, and e: The Story of a Number (all Princeton). He is a former professor of the history of mathematics at Loyola University Chicago.

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