Perga and Alexandria · c. 262-c. 190 BCE
Apollonius of Perga
Apollonius of Perga was Greek geometer and astronomer. His Conics organized the geometry of ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas.
Biographical and historical reference works document Apollonius of Perga’s role and the mathematical work summarized on this page.
3-5, 6-8, 9-12, College
The person and the work
Biography
Apollonius of Perga was Greek geometer and astronomer associated with Perga and Alexandria. His Conics organized the geometry of ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas.
The names ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola became standard through the tradition of his work. Together, these contributions connect algebra and functions and geometry and measurement to the working problems, tools, and questions of the period.
Mathematical contribution
What this hero added or preserved
Core mathematical work
His Conics organized the geometry of ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas.
Method, teaching, or application
The names ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola became standard through the tradition of his work.
Why this matters
The larger lesson
Apollonius of Perga shows that mathematics grows through proof, calculation, observation, design, teaching, or careful records. The lasting lesson is that algebra and functions and geometry and measurement can turn a difficult question into a method another person can inspect and reuse.
Place the work in time
Timeline
- c. 262
Life and working period
Apollonius of Perga worked as Greek geometer and astronomer in Perga and Alexandria.
- Legacy
Lasting mathematical connection
The names ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola became standard through the tradition of his work.
Key idea
An equation balances two descriptions
Apollonius of Perga’s work shows how symbols can represent an unknown quantity while preserving equality.
In 3x + 14 = 32, subtracting 14 and dividing by 3 gives x = 6.
Try it yourself
Solve the equation
Solve 3x + 14 = 32.
- Subtract 14 from both sides.
- Divide both sides by 3.
- Substitute the result to check.
Show the answer
x = 6.
Math at work
Engineers and architects use the same habits
Engineers and architects use algebra and functions to plan, compare, test, or communicate decisions. Apollonius of Perga’s work provides a historical example of that connection.
Keep curiosity alive
A little-known fact
The names ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola became standard through the tradition of his work.
Apollonius of Perga matters because of only one famous formula or anecdote.
The documented record is broader: His Conics organized the geometry of ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas.
Keep exploring
Connected learning paths
Practice these ideas
- Pre-AlgebraBridge arithmetic and algebra with integers, ratios, and equations.
- Algebra IPractice equations, variables, functions, ratios, and inequalities.
- Algebra IIWork with quadratics, polynomials, systems, and sequences.
- GeometryExplore shapes, angles, area, perimeter, volume, and classification.
- Advanced GeometryPractice coordinate geometry, transformations, vectors, and solids.