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Math as we know it today has evolved considerably over the past centuries.

It has
evolved from basic counting, measurement, and calculations to applying abstract logic
and several complex concepts. In fact, the history of math is as old as human
civilization. Today, we’ll take a trip into the past and explore the story of Archimedes,
a mathematician and philosopher who would eventually be known as the “Father of
Math.”

Tabla de contenido
 Who is Archimedes?  
 Archimedes’ Early Life
 Archimedes’ Notable Discoveries  
 Contribution to Math
 Exponent System for Large Numbers
 Estimation of the size of the Universe
 Method of Exhaustion
 Area of circles and other shapes
 Archimedes’ Written Works  
 Contribution to Physics
 Archimedes Screw
 Archimedes Claw  
 Archimedes’ Death
 Archimedes’ Legacy of Honour  
Who is Archimedes? 
The Father of Math is the great Greek mathematician and philosopher Archimedes.
Perhaps you have heard the name before–the Archimedes’ Principle is widely studied
in Physics and is named after the great philosopher. This esteemed scholar has several
feathers in his cap in math and physics, coining him one of the leading scientists of the
classical era.

[Read: Famous Mathematicians in the World ]


Archimedes was the master brain behind pi, also known as the measurement
encapsulating the area of the circle and the surface area and volume of spheres.
Archimedes devoted his entire life to scholarly pursuits and was fueled by a burning
desire to know, explore, and uncover the unknown in all walks of life.

In the following sections, we will take a peek into Archimedes’ early life, education,
epic work, and immortal contribution to Math.

Archimedes’ Early Life


Archimedes was born in c. 287 BC in Syracuse, which is modern-day Sicily in Italy.  
Unfortunately, not many details are known about Archimedes’s early life as his
biography written by friend Heracleides has been lost. As per his writings in his book
the ‘Sand Reckoner,’ his father Phidias was an astronomer. To this day, there is no
information available regarding his family, marriage status, or children.

His written works suggest that he had scholarly relations with several scholars in
Alexandria in Egypt. He published his works in the form of correspondence with
principal mathematicians like Eratosthenes of Cyrene and Conon of Samos. Soon
enough, renowned scholars and writers, including Cicero and Plutarch, have mentioned
him in their books.

The famous Greek mathematician and philosopher Archimedes is known as the Father of
Mathematics. The Archimedes' Principle, which bears the name of the famous philosopher, is
a topic of much study in physics, and you may have heard of it previously. This distinguished
scholar, who has numerous accomplishments in maths and physics, is considered one of the
greatest scientists of the classical age.
Pi, also referred to as the measurement including the area of the circle and the surface area
and volume of spheres, was invented by Archimedes. Archimedes spent his entire life
pursuing knowledge and was driven by a strong desire to learn, discover, and explore the
unknowable in all spheres of existence.

Father of Mathematics Highlights 


The following gives details about Archimedes-

Particulars Details

Birth Date 287 BC

Birth Place Syracuse, Sicily

Death 212 BC

Interests  Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Astronomy, Mechanics

Notable work Method Concerning Mechanical Theorems

Father of Mathematics: Early Life 


1. Because of his vital role in the evolution of mathematics, Archimedes is regarded as the
father of mathematics. Even today, his contributions are being used very actively.
2. He is still regarded as one of the most well-known figures from classical antiquity, despite the
fact that nothing is known about his birth, family, and early years. He died in the Syracuse
Siege in 212 BC. He was born in 287 BC into a family of astronomers. His father is an
astronomer by the name of Phidias. He was born at Syracuse, which at the time was a Greek
colony.
3. From an early age, Archimedes developed a passion for learning about physics, mathematics,
and politics. Archimedes' fascination with mathematical equations and problem-solving
persisted throughout his life.
4. His family also supported him to get a good education for Archimedes. He most likely
enrolled in the Egyptian School of Mathematics for this reason.

Father of Mathematics: Notable Discoveries 


Due to his significant contributions to mathematics and science, Archimedes is regarded as
the father of mathematics. He was working for Syracuse's King Hiero II. Archimedes is a
major contributor for modern mathematics. While most scientists and inventors are
celebrated for a single discovery, Archimedes left a long legacy of brilliant discoveries and
research.
Following is the list of his most famous inventions that led him down the path of becoming
the father of mathematics:

Discoveries Details

The ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter is known as "Pi." It


is calculated to be 22/7 and is a constant regardless of the diameter of
  the circle.
Derivation of
Its approximate value, as determined by a decimal computation, is 3.14.
‘pi.'
In the days before calculators and computers, Archimedes calculated
this figure by hand and with absolute precision.

In his book "The Sand Reckoner," Archimedes mentions how he helped


discover the exponent system and big numbers. In order to handle
  powers of 10, he created the appropriate rules and found and
Exponent demonstrated the law of exponents.
System for
Numerous issues that need repeated multiplication operations are still
Large Numbers
solved using the well-known exponents law, 10a.10b = 10a+b. 

Archimedes spent a significant amount of time on his theory of the


universe. He calculated the maximum amount of sand grains required
to completely fill the universe. As described in his book "The Sand
  Reckoner," he started investigating this amazing notion while working
Estimation of on sand grains. Among the presumptions made by Archimedes were
the size of the that the universe was a sphere and that the ratio of the universe's
Universe diameter to the Earth's orbital diameter around the sun was the same
as the ratio of the Earth's orbital diameter to the Earth's diameter.

To provide precise solutions to issues, Archimedes employed the


exhaustion approach based on proof by contradiction. He also stated
  the parameters of his responses. Using this method, he calculated the
Method of value of Pi and proved that it was between 22/7 and 223/71, which
Exhaustion indicates that his calculations were reasonably accurate compared to
those employed today.

The main outcomes he listed in his book On the Sphere are as follows:
1. Any sphere with radius r has a surface area that is four times larger
 
than its largest circle (in contemporary notation, S = 4r²).
Area of circles
and other 2. If a sphere is inscribed insid
shapes

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