History of Mathematics the Early Years
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Arnold Sommerfeld in Einigen Zitaten Von Ihm Und Über Ihn1
K.-P. Dostal, Arnold Sommerfeld in einigen Zitaten von ihm und über ihn Seite 1 Karl-Peter Dostal, Arnold Sommerfeld in einigen Zitaten von ihm und über ihn1 Kurze biographische Bemerkungen Arnold Sommerfeld [* 5. Dezember 1868 in Königsberg, † 26. April 1951 in München] zählt neben Max Planck, Albert Einstein und Niels Bohr zu den Begründern der modernen theoretischen Physik. Durch die Ausarbeitung der Bohrschen Atomtheorie, als Lehrbuchautor (Atombau und Spektrallinien, Vorlesungen über theoretische Physik) und durch seine „Schule“ (zu der etwa die Nobelpreisträger Peter Debye, Wolfgang Pauli, Werner Heisenberg und Hans Bethe gehören) sorgte Sommerfeld wie kein anderer für die Verbreitung der modernen Physik.2 Je nach Auswahl könnte Sommerfeld [aber] nicht nur als theoretischer Physiker, sondern auch als Mathematiker, Techniker oder Wissenschaftsjournalist porträtiert werden.3 Als Schüler der Mathematiker Ferdinand von Lindemann, Adolf Hurwitz, David Hilbert und Felix Klein hatte sich Sommerfeld zunächst vor allem der Mathematik zugewandt (seine erste Professur: 1897 - 1900 für Mathematik an der Bergakademie Clausthal). Als Professor an der TH Aachen von 1900 - 1906 gewann er zunehmendes Interesse an der Technik. 1906 erhielt er den seit Jahren verwaisten Lehrstuhl für theoretische Physik in München, an dem er mit wenigen Unterbrechungen noch bis 1940 (und dann wieder ab 19464) unterrichtete. Im Gegensatz zur etablierten Experimen- talphysik war die theoretische Physik anfangs des 20. Jh. noch eine junge Disziplin. Sie wurde nun zu -
Extending Euclidean Constructions with Dynamic Geometry Software
Proceedings of the 20th Asian Technology Conference in Mathematics (Leshan, China, 2015) Extending Euclidean constructions with dynamic geometry software Alasdair McAndrew [email protected] College of Engineering and Science Victoria University PO Box 18821, Melbourne 8001 Australia Abstract In order to solve cubic equations by Euclidean means, the standard ruler and compass construction tools are insufficient, as was demonstrated by Pierre Wantzel in the 19th century. However, the ancient Greek mathematicians also used another construction method, the neusis, which was a straightedge with two marked points. We show in this article how a neusis construction can be implemented using dynamic geometry software, and give some examples of its use. 1 Introduction Standard Euclidean geometry, as codified by Euclid, permits of two constructions: drawing a straight line between two given points, and constructing a circle with center at one given point, and passing through another. It can be shown that the set of points constructible by these methods form the quadratic closure of the rationals: that is, the set of all points obtainable by any finite sequence of arithmetic operations and the taking of square roots. With the rise of Galois theory, and of field theory generally in the 19th century, it is now known that irreducible cubic equations cannot be solved by these Euclidean methods: so that the \doubling of the cube", and the \trisection of the angle" problems would need further constructions. Doubling the cube requires us to be able to solve the equation x3 − 2 = 0 and trisecting the angle, if it were possible, would enable us to trisect 60◦ (which is con- structible), to obtain 20◦. -
Two Editions of Ibn Al-Haytham's Completion of the Conics
Historia Mathematica 29 (2002), 247–265 doi:10.1006/hmat.2002.2352 Two Editions of Ibn al-Haytham’s Completion of the Conics View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE Jan P. Hogendijk provided by Elsevier - Publisher Connector Mathematics Department, University of Utrecht, P.O. Box 80.010, 3508 TA Utrecht, Netherlands E-mail: [email protected] The lost Book VIII of the Conics of Apollonius of Perga (ca. 200 B.C.) was reconstructed by the Islamic mathematician Ibn al-Haytham (ca. A.D. 965–1041) in his Completion of the Conics. The Arabic text of this reconstruction with English translation and commentary was published as J. P. Hogendijk, Ibn al-Haytham’s Completion of the Conics (New York: Springer-Verlag, 1985). In a new Arabic edition with French translation and commentary (R. Rashed, Les mathematiques´ infinitesimales´ du IXe au XIe siecle.´ Vol. 3., London: Al-Furqan Foundation, 2000), it was claimed that my edition is faulty. In this paper the similarities and differences between the two editions, translations, and commentaries are discussed, with due consideration for readers who do not know Arabic. The facts will speak for themselves. C 2002 Elsevier Science (USA) C 2002 Elsevier Science (USA) C 2002 Elsevier Science (USA) 247 0315-0860/02 $35.00 C 2002 Elsevier Science (USA) All rights reserved. 248 JAN P. HOGENDIJK HMAT 29 AMS subject classifications: 01A20, 01A30. Key Words: Ibn al-Haytham; conic sections; multiple editions; Rashed. 1. INTRODUCTION The Conics of Apollonius of Perga (ca. 200 B.C.) is one of the fundamental texts of ancient Greek geometry. -
History of Mathematics in Mathematics Education. Recent Developments Kathy Clark, Tinne Kjeldsen, Sebastian Schorcht, Constantinos Tzanakis, Xiaoqin Wang
History of mathematics in mathematics education. Recent developments Kathy Clark, Tinne Kjeldsen, Sebastian Schorcht, Constantinos Tzanakis, Xiaoqin Wang To cite this version: Kathy Clark, Tinne Kjeldsen, Sebastian Schorcht, Constantinos Tzanakis, Xiaoqin Wang. History of mathematics in mathematics education. Recent developments. History and Pedagogy of Mathematics, Jul 2016, Montpellier, France. hal-01349230 HAL Id: hal-01349230 https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01349230 Submitted on 27 Jul 2016 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. HISTORY OF MATHEMATICS IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION Recent developments Kathleen CLARK, Tinne Hoff KJELDSEN, Sebastian SCHORCHT, Constantinos TZANAKIS, Xiaoqin WANG School of Teacher Education, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4459, USA [email protected] Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark [email protected] Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany [email protected] Department of Education, University of Crete, Rethymnon 74100, Greece [email protected] Department of Mathematics, East China Normal University, China [email protected] ABSTRACT This is a survey on the recent developments (since 2000) concerning research on the relations between History and Pedagogy of Mathematics (the HPM domain). Section 1 explains the rationale of the study and formulates the key issues. -
Geometry Around Us an Introduction to Non-Euclidean Geometry
Geometry Around Us An Introduction to Non-Euclidean Geometry Gaurish Korpal (gaurish4math.wordpress.com) National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar 23 April 2016 Science Day Celebration Gaurish Korpal(gaurish4math.wordpress.com) (NISER) Geometry Around Us 23 April 2016 1 / 15 Theorem In any triangle, trisector lines intersect at three points, that are vertices of an equilateral triangle. A. Bogomolny, Morley's Theorem: Proof by R. J. Webster, Interactive Mathematics Miscellany and Puzzle, http://www.cut-the-knot.org/triangle/Morley/Webster.shtml Morley's Miracle Frank Morley (USA) discovered a theorem about triangle in 1899, approximately 2000 years after first theorems about triangle were published by Euclid. Euclid (Egypt) is referred as father of Plane Geometry, often called Euclidean Geometry. Science Day Celebration Gaurish Korpal(gaurish4math.wordpress.com) (NISER) Geometry Around Us 23 April 2016 2 / 15 Morley's Miracle Frank Morley (USA) discovered a theorem about triangle in 1899, approximately 2000 years after first theorems about triangle were published by Euclid. Euclid (Egypt) is referred as father of Plane Geometry, often called Euclidean Geometry. Theorem In any triangle, trisector lines intersect at three points, that are vertices of an equilateral triangle. A. Bogomolny, Morley's Theorem: Proof by R. J. Webster, Interactive Mathematics Miscellany and Puzzle, http://www.cut-the-knot.org/triangle/Morley/Webster.shtml Science Day Celebration Gaurish Korpal(gaurish4math.wordpress.com) (NISER) Geometry Around Us 23 April 2016 2 / 15 Morley's original proof was (published in 1924) stemmed from his results on algebraic curves tangent to a given number of lines. It arose from the consideration of cardioids [(x 2 + y 2 − a2)2 = 4a2((x − a)2 + y 2)]. -
Squaring the Circle a Case Study in the History of Mathematics the Problem
Squaring the Circle A Case Study in the History of Mathematics The Problem Using only a compass and straightedge, construct for any given circle, a square with the same area as the circle. The general problem of constructing a square with the same area as a given figure is known as the Quadrature of that figure. So, we seek a quadrature of the circle. The Answer It has been known since 1822 that the quadrature of a circle with straightedge and compass is impossible. Notes: First of all we are not saying that a square of equal area does not exist. If the circle has area A, then a square with side √A clearly has the same area. Secondly, we are not saying that a quadrature of a circle is impossible, since it is possible, but not under the restriction of using only a straightedge and compass. Precursors It has been written, in many places, that the quadrature problem appears in one of the earliest extant mathematical sources, the Rhind Papyrus (~ 1650 B.C.). This is not really an accurate statement. If one means by the “quadrature of the circle” simply a quadrature by any means, then one is just asking for the determination of the area of a circle. This problem does appear in the Rhind Papyrus, but I consider it as just a precursor to the construction problem we are examining. The Rhind Papyrus The papyrus was found in Thebes (Luxor) in the ruins of a small building near the Ramesseum.1 It was purchased in 1858 in Egypt by the Scottish Egyptologist A. -
Arxiv:Math/0701554V2 [Math.HO] 22 May 2007 Pythagorean Triples and a New Pythagorean Theorem
Pythagorean Triples and A New Pythagorean Theorem H. Lee Price and Frank Bernhart January 1, 2007 Abstract Given a right triangle and two inscribed squares, we show that the reciprocals of the hypotenuse and the sides of the squares satisfy an interesting Pythagorean equality. This gives new ways to obtain rational (integer) right triangles from a given one. 1. Harmonic and Symphonic Squares Consider an arbitrary triangle with altitude α corresponding to base β (see Figure 1a). Assuming that the base angles are acute, suppose that a square of side η is inscribed as shown in Figure 1b. arXiv:math/0701554v2 [math.HO] 22 May 2007 Figure 1: Triangle and inscribed square Then α,β,η form a harmonic sum, i.e. satisfy (1). The equivalent formula αβ η = α+β is also convenient, and is found in some geometry books. 1 1 1 + = (1) α β η 1 Figure 2: Three congruent harmonic squares Equation (1) remains valid if a base angle is a right angle, or is obtuse, save that in the last case the triangle base must be extended, and the square is not strictly inscribed ( Figures 2a, 2c ). Starting with the right angle case (Figure 2a) it is easy to see the inscribed square uniquely exists (bisect the right angle), and from similar triangles we have proportion (β η) : β = η : α − which leads to (1). The horizontal dashed lines are parallel, hence the three triangles of Figure 2 have the same base and altitude; and the three squares are congruent and unique. Clearly (1) applies to all cases. -
Plato As "Architectof Science"
Plato as "Architectof Science" LEONID ZHMUD ABSTRACT The figureof the cordialhost of the Academy,who invitedthe mostgifted math- ematiciansand cultivatedpure research, whose keen intellectwas able if not to solve the particularproblem then at least to show the methodfor its solution: this figureis quite familiarto studentsof Greekscience. But was the Academy as such a centerof scientificresearch, and did Plato really set for mathemati- cians and astronomersthe problemsthey shouldstudy and methodsthey should use? Oursources tell aboutPlato's friendship or at leastacquaintance with many brilliantmathematicians of his day (Theodorus,Archytas, Theaetetus), but they were neverhis pupils,rather vice versa- he learnedmuch from them and actively used this knowledgein developinghis philosophy.There is no reliableevidence that Eudoxus,Menaechmus, Dinostratus, Theudius, and others, whom many scholarsunite into the groupof so-called"Academic mathematicians," ever were his pupilsor close associates.Our analysis of therelevant passages (Eratosthenes' Platonicus, Sosigenes ap. Simplicius, Proclus' Catalogue of geometers, and Philodemus'History of the Academy,etc.) shows thatthe very tendencyof por- trayingPlato as the architectof sciencegoes back to the earlyAcademy and is bornout of interpretationsof his dialogues. I Plato's relationship to the exact sciences used to be one of the traditional problems in the history of ancient Greek science and philosophy.' From the nineteenth century on it was examined in various aspects, the most significant of which were the historical, philosophical and methodological. In the last century and at the beginning of this century attention was paid peredominantly, although not exclusively, to the first of these aspects, especially to the questions how great Plato's contribution to specific math- ematical research really was, and how reliable our sources are in ascrib- ing to him particular scientific discoveries. -
15 Famous Greek Mathematicians and Their Contributions 1. Euclid
15 Famous Greek Mathematicians and Their Contributions 1. Euclid He was also known as Euclid of Alexandria and referred 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. 2. Pythagoras The famous ‘Pythagoras theorem’, yes the same one we have struggled through in our childhood during our challenging math classes. This genius achieved in his contributions in mathematics and become the father of the theorem of Pythagoras. Born is Samos, Greece and fled off to Egypt and maybe India. This great mathematician is most prominently known for, what else but, for his Pythagoras theorem. 3. Archimedes Archimedes is yet another 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. 4. 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. 5. Aristotle Aristotle had a diverse knowledge over various areas including mathematics, geology, physics, metaphysics, biology, medicine and psychology. 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 which aided in the production of hundreds of books. -
Squaring the Circle in Elliptic Geometry
Rose-Hulman Undergraduate Mathematics Journal Volume 18 Issue 2 Article 1 Squaring the Circle in Elliptic Geometry Noah Davis Aquinas College Kyle Jansens Aquinas College, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://scholar.rose-hulman.edu/rhumj Recommended Citation Davis, Noah and Jansens, Kyle (2017) "Squaring the Circle in Elliptic Geometry," Rose-Hulman Undergraduate Mathematics Journal: Vol. 18 : Iss. 2 , Article 1. Available at: https://scholar.rose-hulman.edu/rhumj/vol18/iss2/1 Rose- Hulman Undergraduate Mathematics Journal squaring the circle in elliptic geometry Noah Davis a Kyle Jansensb Volume 18, No. 2, Fall 2017 Sponsored by Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Department of Mathematics Terre Haute, IN 47803 a [email protected] Aquinas College b scholar.rose-hulman.edu/rhumj Aquinas College Rose-Hulman Undergraduate Mathematics Journal Volume 18, No. 2, Fall 2017 squaring the circle in elliptic geometry Noah Davis Kyle Jansens Abstract. Constructing a regular quadrilateral (square) and circle of equal area was proved impossible in Euclidean geometry in 1882. Hyperbolic geometry, however, allows this construction. In this article, we complete the story, providing and proving a construction for squaring the circle in elliptic geometry. We also find the same additional requirements as the hyperbolic case: only certain angle sizes work for the squares and only certain radius sizes work for the circles; and the square and circle constructions do not rely on each other. Acknowledgements: We thank the Mohler-Thompson Program for supporting our work in summer 2014. Page 2 RHIT Undergrad. Math. J., Vol. 18, No. 2 1 Introduction In the Rose-Hulman Undergraduate Math Journal, 15 1 2014, Noah Davis demonstrated the construction of a hyperbolic circle and hyperbolic square in the Poincar´edisk [1]. -
The Theorem of Pythagoras
The Most Famous Theorem The Theorem of Pythagoras feature Understanding History – Who, When and Where Does mathematics have a history? In this article the author studies the tangled and multi-layered past of a famous result through the lens of modern thinking, look- ing at contributions from schools of learning across the world, and connecting the mathematics recorded in archaeological finds with that taught in the classroom. Shashidhar Jagadeeshan magine, in our modern era, a very important theorem being Iattributed to a cult figure, a new age guru, who has collected a band of followers sworn to secrecy. The worldview of this cult includes number mysticism, vegetarianism and the transmigration of souls! One of the main preoccupations of the group is mathematics: however, all new discoveries are ascribed to the guru, and these new results are not to be shared with anyone outside the group. Moreover, they celebrate the discovery of a new result by sacrificing a hundred oxen! I wonder what would be the current scientific community’s reaction to such events. This is the legacy associated with the most ‘famous’ theorem of all times, the Pythagoras Theorem. In this article, we will go into the history of the theorem, explain difficulties historians have with dating and authorship and also speculate as to what might have led to the general statement and proof of the theorem. Vol. 1, No. 1, June 2012 | At Right Angles 5 Making sense of the history Why Pythagoras? Greek scholars seem to be in Often in the history of ideas, especially when there agreement that the first person to clearly state PT has been a discovery which has had a significant in all its generality, and attempt to establish its influence on mankind, there is this struggle to find truth by the use of rigorous logic (what we now call mathematical proof), was perhaps Pythagoras out who discovered it first. -
Växjö University
School of Mathematics and System Engineering Reports from MSI - Rapporter från MSI Växjö University Geometrical Constructions Tanveer Sabir Aamir Muneer June MSI Report 09021 2009 Växjö University ISSN 1650-2647 SE-351 95 VÄXJÖ ISRN VXU/MSI/MA/E/--09021/--SE Tanveer Sabir Aamir Muneer Trisecting the Angle, Doubling the Cube, Squaring the Circle and Construction of n-gons Master thesis Mathematics 2009 Växjö University Abstract In this thesis, we are dealing with following four problems (i) Trisecting the angle; (ii) Doubling the cube; (iii) Squaring the circle; (iv) Construction of all regular polygons; With the help of field extensions, a part of the theory of abstract algebra, these problems seems to be impossible by using unmarked ruler and compass. First two problems, trisecting the angle and doubling the cube are solved by using marked ruler and compass, because when we use marked ruler more points are possible to con- struct and with the help of these points more figures are possible to construct. The problems, squaring the circle and Construction of all regular polygons are still im- possible to solve. iii Key-words: iv Acknowledgments We are obliged to our supervisor Per-Anders Svensson for accepting and giving us chance to do our thesis under his kind supervision. We are also thankful to our Programme Man- ager Marcus Nilsson for his work that set up a road map for us. We wish to thank Astrid Hilbert for being in Växjö and teaching us, She is really a cool, calm and knowledgeable, as an educator should. We also want to thank of our head of department and teachers who time to time supported in different subjects.