Definitions for pons asinorum
pons asi·no·rum

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. pons asinorumnoun

   a problem that severely tests the ability of an inexperienced person

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Pons asinorum

   In geometry, the statement that the angles opposite the equal sides of an isosceles triangle are themselves equal is known as the pons asinorum (Latin: [ˈpõːs asɪˈnoːrũː], English: PONZ ass-i-NOR-əm), typically translated as "bridge of asses". This statement is Proposition 5 of Book 1 in Euclid's Elements, and is also known as the isosceles triangle theorem. Its converse is also true: if two angles of a triangle are equal, then the sides opposite them are also equal. The term is also applied to the Pythagorean theorem.Pons asinorum is also used metaphorically for a problem or challenge which acts as a test of critical thinking, referring to the "ass' bridge's" ability to separate capable and incapable reasoners. Its first known usage in this context was in 1645.A persistent piece of mathematical folklore claims that an artificial intelligence program discovered an original and more elegant proof of this theorem. In fact, Marvin Minsky recounts that he had rediscovered the Pappus proof (which he was not aware of) by simulating what a mechanical theorem prover might do.

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. pons asinorum

   Pons Asinorum, Latin for "Bridge of Asses", is a term used to refer to a problem or challenge that separates the true scholars from mere learners, or tests the abilities or endurance of an individual. It originally referred to the fifth proposition of the first book of Euclid's Elements, a geometric proof often seen as a stumbling block to students.

WikidataRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Pons asinorum

   Pons asinorum is the name given to Euclid's fifth proposition in Book 1 of his Elements of geometry, also known as the theorem on isosceles triangles. It states that the angles opposite the equal sides of an isosceles triangle are equal. Another medieval term for the theorem was Elefuga which, according to Roger Bacon, comes from Greek elegia misery, and fuga Latin for flight, that is "flight of the wretches". Though this etymology is dubious, it is echoed in Chaucer's use of the term "flemyng of wreches" for the theorem. There are two possible explanations for the name pons asinorum, the simplest being that the diagram used resembles an actual bridge. But the more popular explanation is that it is the first real test in the Elements of the intelligence of the reader and functions as a "bridge" to the harder propositions that follow. Whatever its origin, the term is also used as a metaphor for a problem or challenge which will separate the sure of mind from the simple, the fleet thinker from the slow, the determined from the dallier; to represent a critical test of ability or understanding.

The Nuttall EncyclopediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Pons Asinorum

   the fifth proposition in the 1st book of Euclid, so called for the difficulty many a tyro has in mastering it.

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1. • Problem

How to pronounce pons asinorum?

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Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of pons asinorum in Chaldean Numerology is: 7

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of pons asinorum in Pythagorean Numerology is: 3

References

1. ^ Princeton's WordNet
   http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=pons asinorum
2. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pons_Asinorum
3. ^ ChatGPT
   https://chat.openai.com
4. ^ Wikidata
   https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=pons asinorum
5. ^ The Nuttall Encyclopedia
   https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/12342/pg12342-images.html#PonsAsinorum