The Pythagorean Theorem has been with us for over 4000
years and has never ceased to yield its bounty to mathematicians,
scientists, and engineers. Amateurs love it in that most new proofs
are discovered by amateurs. Without the Pythagorean Theorem,
none of the following is possible: radio, cell phone, television,
internet, flight, pistons, cyclic motion of all sorts, surveying and
associated infrastructure development, and interstellar
measurement. The Pythagorean Theorem, Crown Jewel of Mathematics
chronologically traces the Pythagorean Theorem from a
conjectured beginning, Consider the Squares (Chapter 1), through
4000 years of Pythagorean proofs, Four Thousand Years of Discovery
(Chapter 2), from all major proof categories, 20 proofs in total.
Chapter 3, Diamonds of the Same Mind, presents several
mathematical results closely allied to the Pythagorean Theorem
along with some major Pythagorean “spin-offs” such as
Trigonometry. Chapter 4, Pearls of Fun and Wonder, is a potpourri of
classic puzzles, amusements, and applications. An Epilogue, The
Crown and the Jewels, summarizes the importance of the
Pythagorean Theorem and suggests paths for further exploration.
Four appendices service the reader: A] Greek Alphabet, B]
Mathematical Symbols, C] Geometric Foundations, and D] References.
For the reader who may need a review of elementary geometric
concepts before engaging this book, Appendix C is highly
recommended. A Topical Index completes the book.