The Pythagorean theorem presents an interesting case in regards to its origins as there is a possibility that it was discovered multiple times throughout history. Currently, it is believed it was first used in ancient Babylon from a 4000-year-old tablet now categorized as Plimpton 322 (Stillwell, 2010). Pythagoras, a Greek mathematician and philosopher, is usually credited with the discovery and the use of the theorem in the Western world. The use of the Pythagorean theorem was relevant for the accurate measurement of land in ancient Egypt and contributed to additional discoveries in Pytherogarsè time. For instance, the collective which worked with Pythogroas was able to discover irrational numbers with the help of the theorem. The development of the theory itself, at least according to legend, occurred when Pythagoras observed a square tile and came to the conclusion that when divided diagonally, right-angled triangles of equal value emerged. The ancient Babylonian resource suggests that the discovery was similarly driven a thousand years prior to Pythagoras’ realization.
The theorem is essential within architecture and construction. A majority of existing and potential buildings consist of sloped angles which require the use of the theorem in order to ascertain accurate measurements. Architecture is a practice that relies on accuracy and safety and as such, the theorem’s use continues to be relevant and essential. Two-dimensional navigation is also greatly aided by the theorem based on a similar principle as in architecture. This is because it allows mathematicians and navigators to find the shortest distance between two points and necessary angles. While this may initially seem to be a primitive tool in the complex navigational resources that transportation currently has, it is important to recognize that these devices would not exist without the fundamental input of the Pythagorean theorem.
Reference
Stillwell, J. (2010). Mathematics and its history. Springer.