Squaring the circle. 16th-century diagram showing geometrical calculations related to the problem known as 'squaring the circle'. Also known as 'quadr

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Squaring the circle. 16th-century diagram showing geometrical calculations related to the problem known as 'squaring the circle'. Also known as 'quadrature of the circle', this problem involves the attempt to construct a square of the same area as a given circle using a finite number of manipulations. In 1882, it was shown that this task was impossible due to the transcendental nature of the number 'pi' (the ratio of a circle's circumference and its diameter). This diagram is from 'De Quadratura Circuli' (1559) by French mathematician Jean Borrel (1492-1572).

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Size: 3661px × 5256px
Photo credit: © MIDDLE TEMPLE LIBRARY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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