History of Geometry

The first mathematics can be traced to the ancient country of Babylon and to Egypt during the 3rd millennium BC. A number system with a base of 60 had developed in Babylon over time. Large numbers and fractions could be represented and formed the basis of advanced mathematical evolution. From at least 1700 BC, Pythagorean triples were studied. The study of linear and quadratic equations led to form of primitive numerical algebra. Meanwhile, similar figures, areas, and …

…number relations. This generalization stemmed from observations in music, mathematics and astronomy. The most important discovery of this school was the fact that the diagonal of a square is not a rational multiple of its side. This result showed the existence of irrational numbers. Not only did this disturb Greek mathematics but the Pythagoreans' own belief that whole numbers and their ratios could account for geometrical properties was challenged by their own results. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**