Also known as Pythagorean theorem, Pythagoras' theorem is a relation in Euclidean geometry among the three sides of a right triangle. It is named after the Greek mathematician Pythagoras, who by tradition is credited with its discovery. A book published in 1940, 'The Pythagorean Proposition', contains 370 proofs of Pythagoras' theorem, and includes one by American President James Garfield, which was devised in 1876.
The theorem's history can be divided into three parts. These are: Knowledge of Pythagorean triples, knowledge of the relationship between the sides of a right triangle and proofs of the theorem.
Cultural references to the Pythagorean theorem include:
In 'The Wizard of Oz' - the scene where the scarecrow receives his diploma and recites an incorrect version of the theorem.
In 'The Simpsons' - there is reference to the Scarecrow's quote.
In 2000, when Urganda (a country in East Africa), released a coin with the shape of a right angle. The tail has an image of Pythagoras and the Pythagorean theorem, which is accompanied with the mention of 'Pythagoras Millenium'.
