Apollonius

Apollonius of Perga was an ancient Greek mathematician and astronomer known for his work on conic sections. His innovative approach to geometry laid the groundwork for many future developments in mathematics.

Early Life and Education

Apollonius was born around 262 BC in Perga, a city in Pamphylia, which is in modern-day Turkey. He studied in Alexandria, a major center of learning in the ancient world, where he was influenced by the works of Euclid and other prominent mathematicians of the time.

Contributions to Mathematics

Apollonius is best known for his treatise on conic sections, which was a significant advancement in the field of geometry. His work, known as the "Conics," introduced terms such as ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola, which are still used today.

Conic Sections

The study of conic sections involves the intersection of a plane with a cone. Apollonius's work in this area was groundbreaking, as he systematically explored the properties of these curves and their applications. His methods and terminology have had a lasting impact on the study of algebra and calculus.

Influence and Legacy

Apollonius's work influenced many later mathematicians, including Ptolemy, Kepler, and Newton. His exploration of conic sections provided a foundation for the development of astronomy and physics.

See Also

• Euclid
• Ptolemy
• Kepler
• Newton
• History of mathematics

External Links

• Apollonius of Perga - Britannica
• Apollonius of Perga - MacTutor History of Mathematics