Pythagoras is believed to have learned mathematics during his travels to Egypt and Mesopotamia.
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Pythagoras, the famous Greek philosopher and mathematician, is believed to have learned mathematics during his travels to Egypt and Mesopotamia. According to historians, Pythagoras probably met Egyptian priests who were known for their mathematical abilities and knowledge. In Mesopotamia, he learned about the Babylonian numerical system and the use of fractions.
In his book, The History of Mathematics: An Introduction, David Burton writes, “Pythagoras is known to have traveled to Egypt and, according to one account, spent 22 years there studying with the priests of Memphis.” These priests were known for their knowledge of mathematics and astronomy. They used this knowledge to make calendars and keep track of time. They also created mathematical formulas for building the pyramids.
Pythagoras also learned about the Babylonian numerical system during his travels. This system used base-60 instead of base-10 like the Greeks. The Babylonians used clay tablets to keep records of their mathematical equations and calculations. They developed a method for solving quadratic equations that Pythagoras later used in his own work.
Interesting facts:
- Pythagoras is known for his theorem that states the square of the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. This theorem is still used today in mathematics and engineering.
- Pythagoras was the founder of the Pythagorean brotherhood, a group of mathematicians and philosophers who believed in the power of numbers and their spiritual significance.
- Pythagoras also believed in the doctrine of metempsychosis, which is the belief in the transmigration of the soul from one body to another after death.
Here is a table comparing the Egyptian and Babylonian numerical systems:
| Egyptian | Babylonian | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | 10 | 60 |
| Numeral symbols | Hieroglyphs | Cuneiform |
| Arithmetic operations | Additive | Multiplicative |
| Notation for fractions | Unit fractions | Sexagesimal fractions |
| Use of zero | No zero symbol | Used a placeholder symbol for zero |
Overall, Pythagoras learned mathematics and gained knowledge from some of the greatest minds of his time during his travels to Egypt and Mesopotamia. His experiences influenced his own work and helped shape the future of mathematics.
You might discover the answer to “Where did Pythagoras learn mathematics?” in this video
Betty Fei’s video discusses the Pythagorean theorem, which has been proven in over 350 different ways using existing mathematical rules and logic, such as rearranging identical triangles and using tessellation. The theorem is fundamental to geometry and practical applications such as construction and GPS, and mathematicians continue to find new ways to prove it.
Check out the other answers I found
Pythagoras was taught mathematics by Thales, who brought mathematics to the Greeks from Ancient Egypt, and by Anaximander, who was an earlier student of Thales. Thales advised Pythagoras to visit Egypt, which he did when he was about 22 years old.
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Also Know, Who taught Pythagoras math?
Answer to this: Thales
One of the most important was Pherekydes who many describe as the teacher of Pythagoras. The other two philosophers who were to influence Pythagoras, and to introduce him to mathematical ideas, were Thales and his pupil Anaximander who both lived on Miletus.
Similarly one may ask, Where did Pythagoras study?
As part of his education, when he was about age 20 he apparently visited the philosophers Thales and Anaximander on the island of Miletus. Later he founded his famous school at Croton in Italy. Learn about the philosophy of Anaximander.
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In respect to this, How did Pythagoras contribute to the study of mathematics?
The response is: Pythagoras discovered that a complete system of mathematics could be constructed, where geometric elements corresponded with numbers, and where integers and their ratios were all that was necessary to establish an entire system of logic and truth.
Keeping this in consideration, What made Pythagoras the first mathematician?
As an answer to this: In antiquity, Pythagoras was credited with many mathematical and scientific discoveries, including the Pythagorean theorem, Pythagorean tuning, the five regular solids, the Theory of Proportions, the sphericity of the Earth, and the identity of the morning and evening stars as the planet Venus.
Where did Pythagoras live?
Pythagoras was a Greek mathematician and philosopher who lived around 570 BC in Samos, which is now an island in Greek. Around 530 BC, Pythagoras and his family moved to Croton, Southern Italy, where he started his school. He taught his student how to save the human soul through mathematical principles.
Similarly, How did Pythagoras contribute to mathematics?
Answer: Another vital contribution of Pythagoras was hisdevelopment of the idea of mathematical proof. Before Pythagoras, mathematicians had no way of demonstrating the validity of their ideas. They simply stated their results and hoped that others would believe them.
Moreover, Who were the Pythagoreans? The Pythagoreans, as the followers of Pythagoras were called, could be divided into two sects. Those who lived and worked at the school were known as the mathematikoi or learners. Others, who lived outside the school, were known as akousmatics or listeners. Pythagoras was the master of both the sects.
Besides, When did Pythagoras write a theorem?
The response is: The theorem is mentioned in the Baudhayana Sulba-sutra of India, which was written between 800 and 400 bce. Nevertheless, the theorem came to be credited to Pythagoras. It is also proposition number 47 from Book I of Euclid’s Elements.