Theorem. He also gave us the definition of a FUNCTION, which
we still use today. Other important work includes analytic
number theory, algebraic number theory, potential theory,
boundary conditions in mechanics (now called the Dirichlet
problem), and the Fourier series theory in trigonometry.Euclid of Alexandria(ca. 325–265 B.C.E.) Egyptian mathematician,
teacher, and writer about whom little is known. Some theories
suggest that Euclid was the head of a team of mathematical
writers, or that there was a team of such writers who called
themselves Euclid without an actual person named Euclid
involved. Most people, however, believe that Euclid was one
man who is generally considered to be the greatest
mathematician of the ancient world. He is famous for writing a
series of 13 books called The Elements,which contain 465
propositions, or POSTULATEs, dealing with geometric algebra,
SOLIDgeometry, PLANEgeometry, number theory, the theory of
proportions, and IRRATIONAL NUMBERs theory. His postulates
include the ability to draw astraight line between two points,
that all right angles are equal, and that only one line can be
drawn through a point that is parallel to another given line.
Euclid also included AXIOMs in his books, such as the idea that
if things are equal to the same thing, then they are equal to
each other. The Elementswas used as a textbook to teach
geometry for 2,000 years. It is said that Euclid’s Elements,
which has been printed in more than 1,000 editions, is the most
translated and published book next to the Bible. Euclid also
wrote other books, many of which have been lost, but some of
which have survived through translations, including Data
(properties of figures), On Divisions, Optics, Phaenomena
(astronomy), and Elements of Music,which is attributed to
Euclid, but not with certainty.
Eudoxus of Cnidus(ca. 408–355 B.C.E.) Greek scholar,
mathematician, and astronomer who used geometry to
explain the movement of planets. His major contributions to
mathematics included the idea of REAL NUMBERs, the theory
of proportion known in Euclid’s Elementsas the AXIOMof
Eudoxus, which compares the lengths of rational or
irrational lines, and his work on the method of exhaustion
used later by ARCHIMEDES.
Euclid of Alexandria – Eudoxus of Cnidus BIOGRAPHIES
Euclid of Alexandria – Eudoxus of Cnidus BIOGRAPHIES