The Pythagorean Theorem

Ackerman's Take on Crease's Treatment of the Equation:

Web Resources:

Plato's Meno is available from Project Gutenberg

A large collection of proofs

A proof in pictures

Demonstrations of the Equation:

These files will open using Mathematica Player, a free program that can be downloaded here.

A Device That Illustrated Pythagoras Theorem (sic)-- Read, play, look for the squares.

Distance Between Two Points-- The problme that is the staple of middle school geometry illustrates the theorem.

Video:

Jacob Bronowski (a British mathematician who died in 1974) talks about the theorem:

A short video that provides a fun demonstration of the theorem:

Suggested Writing Prompt:

Crease subtitles this chapter "the basis of civilization;" Jacob Bronowski is quaoted "To this day, the theorem of Pythagoras remains the most important theorem in the whole of mathematics."

Is this hyperbole? Support your position withe evidence from "real life."