Greek Achievements in Math
By Ben Siebold
Mathematicians of Ancient Greece
There were many mathematicians of Ancient Greece that contributed valuable theorems and formulas still used today. A few of these mathematicians were Euclid, Archimedes, and Apollonius. These three were the most influential to modern geometry. The Greeks were the first to elaborate on the importance of planes and surface area in mathematics. Greek letters are used today in math and science.
Geometry Influenced by Greeks
Greeks had many geometrical accomplishments such as the Pythagorean theorem, the trisection of an angle, and pi that we still use today. The Greeks made some improvements to the abacus so it was more accurate too. They were the first to solve quadratic equations and use proofs. They gave us terms such such as ellipse and parabola.
Archimedes
Archimedes found out many relationships and theorems in his lifetime such as the relationship between a sphere and a cylinder. Archimedes discovered that a sphere that has the same diameter as the height and the width of the cylinder has 2/3 of the surface area of the cylinder.
Euclid
Euclid came up with many statements that tell about different figures in geometry. Following is a few of these theorems. He said that "a point is that of which there is no part." He also stated that "a line is a widthless length" and "a line's ends are points."
Apollonius
Apollonius also had some major contributions to geometry. He studied curves of lines and wrote many works about the surface of cones and tangents. He used mathematical theorems to explain the movements of the planets as well.
These are the three mathematicians most commonly discussed in Greek geometry. These people are also thought of as the men who influenced math/geometry of the Greeks the most.