Hasn't it been proved to be true, again and again? Why just a theory then?
2007-04-14 22:21:48 · 7 answers · asked by Link 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
A theorem is a mathematical statement that has been proved to be true. So, there is nothing wrong in calling it the Pythagorean theorem.
There is a difference between a theorem and a theory. As I said earlier, A theorem is a statement that has been proved. A theory is an idea, a proposal that gives a possible explanation of something. In most cases, theories don't have proofs. They're just proposals that scientists work on.
Theories are more common in science, not in math. Example is theory of evolution, which attempts to explain how humans and other 'modern' creatures came into being as they are. Other examples are the Big Bang theory, The Big Crunch theory.
Examples of mathematical theorems are the Pythagorean theorem, Intercept theorem.
In case you might need info on the Pythagorean theorem for later, here is a web page that will give you all you need to know (simple proofs included):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagorean_theorem
2007-04-14 22:37:08 · answer #1 · answered by Akilesh - Internet Undertaker 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1) The term "law" is rarely ever used in formal mathematics
2) "Law" in science usually denotes an axiomatic statement that is part of a theory. For example, Newton's "Law of Gravitation" was a mathematical statement of gravitation of bodies, which was given without proof nor explanation. "Law" does not mean that anything was proven or even demonstrated to be true.
Pythagorean's Theorem, on the other hand, is a proven conjecture, thus earning the term "theorem".
2007-04-15 03:02:16 · answer #2 · answered by Scythian1950 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its a theorum, theorums are proved to be true, not to be confused with a theory, which is just an unproven idea.
PS: haha thumbs up for the person below me, the general population, including himself, is ignorant ... :/
2007-04-14 22:24:48 · answer #3 · answered by Holymasteric 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
the difference between theorem and theory is that a theorem has been proven, whereas a theory is an idea which has yet to be proven
as u said pythagorus theorem has been proven time and again, so it is a theorem
2007-04-14 22:45:08 · answer #4 · answered by absentmindednik 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the general population is and always has been generally ignorant.
2007-04-14 22:25:52 · answer #5 · answered by giggitygiggity 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
b/c everyone has remembered its name that way.
2007-04-14 22:24:22 · answer #6 · answered by ashley c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as it is simple
2007-04-14 22:24:21 · answer #7 · answered by pokemon maniac 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋