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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a student's quest to uncover the historical background of the hyperbola for a presentation. Key resources identified include MathWorld and Wikipedia, which provide insights into the term's Greek origin meaning "overshooting." The student is encouraged to explore the contributions of Apollonius of Perga, who systematically studied conic sections around 200 BC. Additional resources from the University of St. Andrews offer further historical context and notable mathematicians related to the hyperbola.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conic sections and their properties
  • Familiarity with historical mathematical figures, particularly Apollonius of Perga
  • Basic knowledge of Greek terminology related to mathematics
  • Research skills for accessing academic and historical resources
NEXT STEPS
  • Investigate the contributions of Apollonius of Perga to conic sections
  • Explore the historical significance of hyperbolas in orbital mechanics
  • Research famous geometricians and their work with hyperbolas
  • Review resources from the University of St. Andrews on the history of mathematics
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and mathematics enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of the historical context and significance of hyperbolas and conic sections.

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. :-p

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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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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I had already looked at wikipedia. But what I am searching is about people who "worked" with the hyperbola and why.
 
How long of a presentation must you do?
 
The time is almost unlimited. 1 to 90 minutes.
 
I find it a silly presentation, especially since the teacher assigned it to you.
 
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
 
Thank you! Now I am starting to understand how to search...
 

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