What Is Euclid's Sixth Postulate and Why Is It Important in Geometry?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of Euclid's sixth postulate, its definition, and its significance in geometry. Participants explore the origins and recognition of this postulate within the context of Euclidean geometry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant claims that Euclid's sixth postulate states, "Two lines do not contain a space," but expresses confusion about its prevalence in literature.
  • Another participant states they have never heard of this postulate and asks for clarification on where it was encountered.
  • A participant provides a source that includes the postulate but suggests it may not be widely recognized, implying it could be a modern addition.
  • Another participant mentions that some modern treatments of Euclidean geometry introduce a sixth postulate regarding the rigidity of triangles, indicating a potential alternative interpretation.
  • One participant requests further insight into the postulate, indicating a desire for more information on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to agree on the existence or recognition of Euclid's sixth postulate, with some asserting it is a modern invention while others express uncertainty about its validity and sources.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the definitions and interpretations of the postulate, as well as the sources cited, which may not be universally accepted or recognized in traditional Euclidean geometry.

chemistry1
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Hey,

Has anybody heard of Euclid's sixth postulate ? It says : Two lines do not contain a space.

I don't know why, but I'm only finding this postulate in my things, not anywhere else... Help ? Thanks
 
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I'm not an expert on Euclidean geometry, but I've never heard of it.

Where exactly did you encounter this?
 
It is purely a modern invention
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euclidean_geometry
'Some modern treatments add a sixth postulate, the rigidity of the triangle, which can be used as an alternative to superposition.'

p 5. Coxeter, H.S.M. (1961). Introduction to Geometry. New York: Wiley.
 
Can someone give me insight on it ? Thank you.
 

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