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In geometry, Thales's theorem states that if A, B, and C are distinct points on a circle where the line AC is a diameter, the angle ∠ ABC is a right angle. Thales's theorem is a special case of the inscribed angle theorem and is mentioned and proved as part of the 31st proposition in the third book of Euclid 's Elements . [ 1 ]
The intercept theorem, also known as Thales's theorem, basic proportionality theorem or side splitter theorem, is an important theorem in elementary geometry about the ratios of various line segments that are created if two rays with a common starting point are intercepted by a pair of parallels.
By the power-of-a-point theorem, the product of lengths PM · PN for any ray PMN equals to the square of PT, the length of the tangent line segment (red). No tangent line can be drawn through a point within a circle, since any such line must be a secant line. However, two tangent lines can be drawn to a circle from a point P outside of the circle.
Greek mathematics allegedly began with Thales of Miletus (c. 624–548 BC). Very little is known about his life, although it is generally agreed that he was one of the Seven Wise Men of Greece . According to Proclus , he traveled to Babylon from where he learned mathematics and other subjects, coming up with the proof of what is now called ...
Thales' theorem, named after Thales of Miletus states that if A, B, and C are points on a circle where the line AC is a diameter of the circle, then the angle ABC is a right angle. Cantor supposed that Thales proved his theorem by means of Euclid Book I, Prop. 32 after the manner of Euclid Book III, Prop. 31. [15] [16]
According to some historical sources the Greek mathematician Thales applied the intercept theorem to determine the height of the Cheops' pyramid. The following description illustrates the use of the intercept theorem to compute the height of the Cheops' pyramid. It does not however recount Thales' original work, which was lost.
Thales's theorem: if AC is a diameter and B is a point on the diameter's circle, the angle ABC is a right angle. Thales (c. 624–546 BC) is considered to be the father of philosophy. [44] None of his writings have survived. He is considered the first western philosopher since he was the first to use reason, to use proof, and to generalize.
Seidenberg, followed by Bartel Leendert van der Waerden, sees a ritual origin for mathematics more broadly, postulating that the major advances, such as discovery of the Pythagorean theorem, occurred in only one place, and diffused from there to the rest of the world.