Petrus Apianuss Pascals Triangle, 1527
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Petrus Apianuss Pascals Triangle, 1527
Early Pascals Triangle. Appearing on the title page of Kauffmans Rechnung (Ingolstadt, 1527) by the German scholar Petrus Apianus, this is the first known publication of what would later be known as Pascals Triangle. The property of the triangle is that each number is the sum of the two numbers directly above it. The standard triangle has the number 1 at the apex, whereas this one has the sequence of natural numbers running down its sides. This triangular construct was known to earlier mathematicians, but it was most thoroughly investigated by the French mathematician Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), who showed that it could be used to determine the co-efficients of a binomial series. For the full title page, see V560/007
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1500s 16th Century Addition Arithmetic Binomial Theorem Book Construct Diagram Early Form Formula Geometrical Geometry German History Of Science Mathematical Mathematics Maths Number Precursor Published Pyramidal Theory Triangle Triangular 1520s 1527 Apianus Blaise Pascal Forerunner Ingolstadt Mono Chrome Petrus Apianus
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases Petrus Apianus's early version of Pascal's Triangle, dating back to 1527. Featured on the title page of Kauffmans Rechnung, a book by the German scholar, this publication marks the first known appearance of what would later be recognized as Pascal's Triangle. The triangle itself is a geometric construct with each number being the sum of the two numbers directly above it. While earlier mathematicians were aware of this triangular pattern, it was Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician from the 17th century, who extensively studied its properties and demonstrated its application in determining coefficients for binomial series. In this historical illustration, we see that unlike the standard triangle which starts with 1 at its apex, Apianus chose to depict natural numbers descending along its sides. This artistic representation provides insight into how mathematical concepts were visually conveyed during that era. The significance of this work lies not only in its contribution to mathematics but also in tracing the development and evolution of scientific knowledge throughout history. As an important precursor to modern mathematical theories and formulas such as binomial theorem, Petrus Apianus's triangle serves as a testament to humanity's continuous pursuit of understanding and unraveling complex patterns within our world. This thought-provoking image offers us a glimpse into both ancient mathematical practices and their enduring influence on contemporary science.
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