1.
Who first started the concept of Infinity?
Correct Answer
E. The Egyptians
Explanation
The Egyptians did not first start the concept of infinity. The concept of infinity was first explored by the Ancient Greeks, particularly by mathematicians such as Zeno of Elea and Pythagoras. They were the ones who began to grapple with the idea of infinity and its mathematical implications. While the Egyptians made significant contributions to various fields such as architecture and engineering, they did not have a specific concept or understanding of infinity as the Greeks did.
2.
How old is the concept of Infinity?
Correct Answer
C. About 2,300 years old
Explanation
The concept of infinity is believed to have originated around 2,300 years ago. This is supported by the fact that ancient Greek philosopher Zeno of Elea introduced paradoxes related to infinity in the 5th century BCE. Additionally, Greek mathematician Euclid's work on geometry, which was written around 300 BCE, also included discussions on infinity. Therefore, it can be concluded that the concept of infinity has been around for approximately 2,300 years.
3.
Who refined and documented the concept?
Correct Answer
C. Archimedes
Explanation
Archimedes is the correct answer because he was a Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics and science. He refined and documented various concepts, including the concept of buoyancy, the lever, and the calculation of pi. His work laid the foundation for many scientific principles and theories that are still used today.
4.
How was the first ever document of infinity destroyed?
Correct Answer
D. Monks wrote prayers on it and a man drew pictures on it
5.
Is it true that Archimedes decided "infinity had to exist because time appeared to have no beginning nor no end"?
Correct Answer
B. False!
Explanation
The given statement is false. Archimedes did not decide that infinity had to exist because time appeared to have no beginning nor end. While Archimedes made significant contributions to mathematics and physics, there is no evidence or historical record suggesting that he linked the concept of infinity to the nature of time.
6.
Is it possible to add numbers to infinity? (Like Infinity+1 and Infinity+2)
Correct Answer
D. No
Explanation
It is not possible to add numbers to infinity because infinity is not a number, but rather a concept representing an endless quantity. Addition is a mathematical operation performed on numbers, and since infinity is not a number, it cannot be added to or combined with any other number. Therefore, the answer is no.
7.
What does infinity most commonly represent?
Correct Answer
A. "No end"
Explanation
Infinity most commonly represents "no end" because it is a concept used to describe something that is limitless or boundless. It is often used in mathematics to represent a number or a value that is larger than any finite number. In this context, "no end" is the most fitting representation for infinity as it conveys the idea that it goes on forever without any limit or boundary.
8.
Who is usually credited for the infinity symbol?
Correct Answer
C. John Wallis
Explanation
John Wallis is usually credited for the infinity symbol because he was the first to introduce the symbol (∞) in his work "De sectionibus conicis" in 1655. Wallis used this symbol to represent the concept of infinity, which has since become widely recognized and used in mathematics and other fields.
9.
Near what year did Isha Upanishad state that "If you remove a part from infinity or add a part to infinity, still what remains is infinity"?
Correct Answer
E. Near 300 BC
Explanation
The Isha Upanishad stating that "If you remove a part from infinity or add a part to infinity, still what remains is infinity" suggests a philosophical concept that was expressed around 300 BC. This concept implies that infinity is an unchanging and boundless entity, unaffected by additions or subtractions. It reflects the understanding of ancient Indian thinkers regarding the nature of infinity and its timeless existence.
10.
Why did Aristotle decide that infinity had to exist?
(Hint: There are 2 correct answers, and you have to choose both of them)
Correct Answer(s)
B. Because if there were no infinity, numbers would have to go on forever.
D. Because time appeared to have to beginning or no end.
Explanation
Aristotle decided that infinity had to exist because if there were no infinity, numbers would have to go on forever. Additionally, time appeared to have no beginning or end, which further supported the existence of infinity.
11.
Where did John Wallis get the infinity symbol from?
(Hint: There are 3 correct answers, and you have to choose all three of them)
Correct Answer(s)
B. He derived it from the Roman numeral 1000 that was in turn derived from the Etruscan numeral 1000, which looked somewhat like ∞.
D. He used it because before typesetting machines were invented, ∞ was made simply by putting an 8 on it's side.
E. He derived it from the greek letter ω, the last letter in the alpHabet.
Explanation
John Wallis derived the infinity symbol (∞) from the Roman numeral 1000, which was in turn derived from the Etruscan numeral 1000. The Etruscan numeral had a resemblance to the infinity symbol. Additionally, before typesetting machines were invented, the symbol was created by putting an 8 on its side, which is why Wallis used it. Furthermore, Wallis also derived the symbol from the Greek letter ω, which is the last letter in the alphabet.
12.
What was Aristotle's academy called?
Correct Answer
A. The Lyceum
Explanation
Aristotle's academy was called The Lyceum. The Lyceum was a school founded by Aristotle in Athens, Greece, where he taught his students about a wide range of subjects including philosophy, science, and politics. It was named after the nearby temple of Apollo Lyceus. The Lyceum became a prominent center of learning and intellectual activity during Aristotle's time and continued to have a significant influence on education and scholarship for centuries after his death.