Eratosthenes
Eratosthenes (c. 276 BC – c. 194 BC) was a mathematician from Cyrene (now Libya). In short: the sieve of Eratosthenes for primes, and an early measurement of the Earth's size. They lived about 82 years.
How to work it out
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Field: number theory and geography. Place: Cyrene (now Libya).
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Known for: the sieve of Eratosthenes for primes, and an early measurement of the Earth's size.
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Lifespan: c. 276 BC – c. 194 BC, about 82 years.
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In this list of 56 mathematicians, Eratosthenes comes after Archimedes and before Apollonius of Perga.
Mathematicians alive at the same time as Eratosthenes
| Mathematician | Lived | Years in common |
|---|---|---|
| Apollonius of Perga | c. 262 BC – c. 190 BC | 68 |
| Archimedes | c. 287 BC – c. 212 BC | 64 |
Questions
Who was Eratosthenes?
Eratosthenes (c. 276 BC – c. 194 BC) was a mathematician from Cyrene (now Libya). In short: the sieve of Eratosthenes for primes, and an early measurement of the Earth's size. They lived about 82 years.
What is Eratosthenes known for?
The sieve of Eratosthenes for primes, and an early measurement of the Earth's size.
When was Eratosthenes born?
Around 276 BC.
When did Eratosthenes die?
Around 194 BC.