This is a fascinating journey through the history of one of the world's most famous and remarkable mathematical equations. The Pythagorean Theorem is one of the best-known equations in mathematics. Its origins reach back to the beginnings of civilization, and today every student continues to study it. What most non-mathematicians don't understand or appreciate is why this simply stated theorem has fascinated countless generations. "The Pythagorean Theorem" is an entertaining and informative book that explores the history and importance of this remarkable equation. It begins with a brief history of Pythagoras and the early use of his theorem by the ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Indians and Chinese - who were using it intuitively long before Pythagoras' name was attached. It further examines the ingenious ways in which the theorem has been proved throughout history, including some highly imaginative diagrams dating back thousands of years, as well as demonstrating some of the curious applications it has been used for down the centuries.
The book concludes with a look at the theorem from a non-mathematical point of view, exploring the many ways it manifests itself through nature and even in music.