Uncovering the History of the Hyperbola: A Student's Quest for Answers

  • Thread starter PPonte
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In summary, the individual speaking has been asking for help and has found some good research sources on the history and origin of the word "hyperbola." They are looking for more information on the people who worked with the hyperbola and why it was named that. They have a flexible amount of time to do a presentation on it and have found some starting points for their research.
  • #1
PPonte
Sorry to be constantly asking for help. But I think this will be the last in a while.
During my math's class, I asked my teacher why the hyperbola was named liked that. She didn't answer me and ordered me to make a presentation about it. I have done some research work but I would like to make an historical introduction but I was unsucessful to find information about it. If you could help me... you know, thanks. :tongue:

Good sites I have found so far:
http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Hyperbola.html
http://mathworld.wolfram.com/RectangularHyperbola.html
http://mathforum.org/cgraph/history/apollonius.html
 
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  • #2
I don't know that there's a good historical story here. Just look up the origin of the word in a dictionary. From what I found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperbola" , it is derived from the greek word for "overshooting." You can find out why it would get this name by reading more about the curve (specifically, how it comes up in orbital mechanics).
 
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  • #3
I had already looked at wikipedia. But what I am searching is about people who "worked" with the hyperbola and why.
 
  • #4
How long of a presentation must you do?
 
  • #5
The time is almost unlimited. 1 to 90 minutes.
 
  • #6
I find it a silly presentation, especially since the teacher assigned it to you.
 
  • #7
Here is a starting point.

The conic sections were named and studied as long ago as 200 BC, when Apollonius of Perga undertook a systematic study of their properties.
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conic_section
and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollonius_of_Perga.

One will have to find famous geometricians!

Possibly here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geometry

From the School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of St. Andrews, Scotland - http://www-gap.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Indexes/HistoryTopics.html

http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/Mathematicians/Apollonius.html
 
  • #8
Thank you! Now I am starting to understand how to search...
 

1. What is a hyperbola?

A hyperbola is a type of mathematical curve that is formed by the intersection of a cone and a plane. It is characterized by two distinct branches that are symmetrical to each other.

2. How did the hyperbola get its name?

The term "hyperbola" comes from the Greek word "hyperbole" which means "excess" or "exaggeration". This is because the curve appears to be stretched out infinitely in both directions.

3. When was the hyperbola first studied?

The hyperbola was first studied by Ancient Greek mathematicians in the 3rd century BC, including Euclid and Apollonius of Perga.

4. What are some real-world applications of hyperbolas?

Hyperbolas have many practical applications, such as in astronomy to track the path of comets, in engineering to design parabolic reflectors for satellite dishes, and in economics to model supply and demand curves.

5. What is the significance of uncovering the history of the hyperbola?

Studying the history of the hyperbola allows us to understand the development of mathematical concepts and how they have been used in various fields throughout history. It also helps us appreciate the contributions of ancient mathematicians and their impact on modern mathematics and science.

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