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MATHEMATICAL GAMES.

Authors :
Gardner, Martin
Source :
Scientific American; Oct81, Vol. 245 Issue 4, p23-34, 6p, 1 Color Photograph, 3 Diagrams
Publication Year :
1981

Abstract

The article provides information on attempt to prove Euclid's parallel postulate. Thales of Miletus attributed a false proof wherein he rests on the existence of a rectangle that is a quadrilateral with four angles. An English mathematician John Wallis failed to realized the assumption that two triangles can be similar but not congruent cannot be proved without the parallel postulate.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00368733
Volume :
245
Issue :
4
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Scientific American
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
19880983
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican1081-23