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Bisecting and trisecting the arc of the lemniscate

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 October 2016

Thomas J. Osler
Thomas J. Osler*
Affiliation:
Department of Mathematics, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028USA e-mail: osler@rowan.edu
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Extract

In this paper we will discuss the lemniscate curve and show that its arc length can be bisected and trisected using classical ruler and compasses construction. The method dates back to 1718 when Count Giulio Fagnano (1682-1766) first published these constructions [1]. Fagnano was self-educated in mathematics and treated the subject as a hobby. Euler was impressed by his work on this topic and recommended his admission to the Berlin Academy of Science. Euler then generalised Fagnano's work on integrals. In addition, Fagnano was employed to assist in reinforcing the dome of Saint Peter's which was in danger of collapse. Pope Benedict IV rewarded him for his work by publishing his mathematical papers. Fagnano achieved considerable international fame as a mathematician, and rightly so given the outstanding contributions which he made on a number of different topics.

Type
Articles
Information
The Mathematical Gazette , Volume 100 , Issue 549 , November 2016 , pp. 471 - 481
Copyright
Copyright © Mathematical Association 2016 

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References

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