President James A. Garfield developed an alternate proof of the Pythagorean Theorem using a trapezoid method, which he presented in 1876. This proof was published in the New England Journal of Education and has been recognized by mathematics historian William Dunham as "really a very clever proof." The Mathematical Association of America acknowledges Garfield's contribution to mathematics, highlighting his multifaceted character beyond his political career.
PREREQUISITESMathematicians, educators, historians, and anyone interested in the intersection of politics and mathematics in American history.
In 1876, Garfield displayed his mathematical talent when he developed a trapezoid proof of the Pythagorean theorem. His finding was placed in the New England Journal of Education. Mathematics historian William Dunhamwrote that Garfield's trapezoid work was "really a very clever proof."[119]
Apparently Garfield did come up with an alternate proof. See https://www.maa.org/press/periodica...-a-garfields-proof-of-the-pythagorean-theoremswampwiz said:I'm talking about the Pythagorean Theorem, which seems to have an alternate proof attested to him!
http://jwilson.coe.uga.edu/EMT668/EMT668.Student.Folders/HeadAngela/essay1/Pythagorean.html