Famous mathematicians quiz
Checked on 11 November 2026
Question 1 of 10
Discover
The theorem about the sides of a right triangle, a squared plus b squared equals c squared, is named after which Greek thinker?
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The answer is Pythagoras.
The rule was known to the Babylonians long before, but Pythagoras of Samos may have been the first to prove it, so it carries his name.
Discover
Which ancient Greek mathematician, often called the father of geometry, wrote the Elements?
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The answer is Euclid.
Euclid's Elements set out the foundations of geometry and shaped Western mathematics for more than 2000 years.
Discover
Which English scientist published the Principia in 1687?
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The answer is Isaac Newton.
Newton's Principia, first published in 1687, set out the laws of motion and founded classical mechanics.
Discover
Who is often considered the first computer programmer, for her notes on Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine?
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The answer is Ada Lovelace.
In her famous Notes, Ada Lovelace showed how Babbage's Analytical Engine could be programmed, which many see as the first computer program.
Practise
Which German mathematician shares credit with Isaac Newton for inventing calculus and gave it much of its modern notation?
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The answer is Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.
Leibniz developed calculus independently of Newton, and the notation we still use for derivatives and integrals is his.
Practise
The medieval mathematician Fibonacci came from which Italian city?
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The answer is Pisa.
Fibonacci, born Leonardo Bonacci around 1170, is also known as Leonard of Pisa after his home city.
Practise
The Cartesian coordinate system is named after which French thinker?
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The answer is René Descartes.
René Descartes applied algebra to geometry in La Géométrie, and Cartesian coordinates carry his name.
Expert
Which English mathematician proved Fermat's Last Theorem in the 1990s?
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The answer is Andrew Wiles.
Andrew Wiles became famous for proving Fermat's Last Theorem, work that brought him many honours including a knighthood.
Expert
In 1913, the self-taught Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan wrote to which Cambridge mathematician, who became his mentor?
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The answer is G. H. Hardy.
Ramanujan's 1913 letter to Hardy began one of the most famous partnerships in mathematics, and he later studied at Trinity College, Cambridge.
Expert
Which German mathematician is best known for her major contributions to abstract algebra?
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The answer is Emmy Noether.
Emmy Noether developed theories of rings, fields and algebras and was one of the leading mathematicians of her time.