Mathematical proof was revolutionized by Euclid (300 BCE), who introduced the axiomatic method still in use today. It starts with undefined terms and axioms, propositions concerning the undefined terms which are assumed to be self-evidently true (from Greek 'something worthy'). From this basis, the method proves theorems using deductive logic. Euclid's Elements was read by anyone who was considered educated in the West until the middle of the 20th century. In addition to theorems of geometry, such as the Pythagorean theorem, the Elements also covers number theory, including a proof that the square root of two is irrational and a proof that there are infinitely many prime numbers.
Mathematical proof was revolutionized by Euclid (300 BCE) who introduced the axiomatic method still in use today It starts with undefined terms and axioms propositions concerning the undefined terms which are assumed to be self-evidently true (from Greek 'something worthy') From this basis the method proves theorems using deductive logic Euclid's Elements was read by anyone who was considered educated in the West until the middle of the 20th century In addition to theorems of geometry such as the Pythagorean theorem the Elements also covers number theory including a proof that the square root of two is irrational and a proof that there are infinitely many prime numbers