Pappus's centroid theorem
Teorema del centroide de Pappus
- Date
- c. 340 · confidence low
- Place
- Alexandria, Egypt
- Credited to
- Pappus of Alexandria
- Field
- Knowledge & symbols
⚠️ Disputed: the sources disagree.
What was discovered
Two related theorems that compute the surface area or volume of a solid of revolution from the length or area of the generating figure and the distance travelled by its centroid. They appear in Pappus's 'Collection' and were independently rediscovered by Paul Guldin in the 17th century.
Also called Guldin's theorem or the Pappus–Guldin theorem; the exact date of Pappus's 'Collection' is uncertain (estimated around 320-340).
What it led to
- practical calculation of areas and volumes of revolution without explicit integration
- rediscovery and dissemination by Paul Guldin (Pappus–Guldin theorem)
- applications in engineering and the design of revolved parts