Omar Khayyam
Omar Khayyam, full name Ghiyath al-Din Abu'l-Fath Omar ibn Ibrahim al-Khayyam, was a Persian polymath from Nishapur, Iran, who made significant contributions to various fields during the Seljuk Empire. Here are some key aspects of his life and work:
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Biography
Born in 1048 in Nishapur, Khayyam was educated in the sciences, philosophy, and literature. He is known for his work in:
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Mathematical Contributions
Khayyam was a mathematician of considerable note:
- He developed the classification of cubic equations.
- He contributed to the development of Algebra, particularly in solving cubic equations by geometric methods.
- His work on binomial coefficients led to the development of what is now known as Pascal's Triangle, although he did not discover it in the form we recognize today.
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Astronomy
He reformed the Jalali Calendar, which is more accurate than the Gregorian calendar in approximating the solar year:
- The Jalali Calendar has a year length of 365.24219858156 days, compared to the Gregorian's 365.2425 days.
- His astronomical observations were part of his work under the patronage of Malik Shah I.
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Philosophy and Poetry
While his philosophical works are less known, Khayyam's poetry, especially his Rubaiyat, has gained immense popularity:
- The Rubaiyat (quatrains) explore themes of love, life, and the meaning of existence.
- His philosophical views, influenced by Sufism, often questioned the orthodox religious views of his time.
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Legacy
His legacy is multifaceted:
- His mathematical works were foundational for later developments in Algebra and Geometry.
- The Jalali Calendar remains in use in Iran and Afghanistan.
- His poetry has been translated into many languages, with Edward FitzGerald's translation in the 19th century bringing widespread fame to the Rubaiyat.
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