Object Details
maker
Wheeler, Albert Harry
Description
These seven plastic pieces can be arranged to form one large or two small squares, adjoining a right triangle. A diagram showing the solution is on paper sheet in the lid of metal case originally used to store medicine. A mark on the case reads: COLDS AND LA GRIPPE.
This is a proof of the Pythagorean theorem by the Indian mathematician Bhaskara. On Wheeler's list of decompositions of polygons, this is 3Y.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Helen M. Wheeler
ID Number
MA.304723.820
accession number
304723
catalog number
304723.820
Object Name
geometric model
Physical Description
paper (overall material)
plastic (overall material)
metal (overall material)
yellow (overall color)
green (overall color)
black (overall color)
red (overall color)
blue (overall color)
cut (overall production method/technique)
Measurements
average spatial: .8 cm x 6.4 cm x 5 cm; 5/16 in x 2 17/32 in x 1 31/32 in
place made
United States: Massachusetts, Worcester
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Science & Mathematics
Plane Dissections
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Mathematics
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1075900