Definition: Apollonius was a Greek mathematician and philosopher known for his work on geometry, number theory, astronomy, and physics. His name comes from the god Apollo, who is often associated with mathematical precision and problem-solving. He believed that all geometric problems could be solved by means of algebraic manipulations based on geometrical ideas. In his treatise "The Elements," Apollonius introduced a system of axioms for geometry known as the Apollonian postulates (a+b=2c). This set of axioms and rules form the basis for understanding most parts of Euclidean geometry. The concept of the "sides" of triangles is fundamental in his work, which can be applied to solve many problems from geometry. Apollonius' approach often leads to intricate solutions that are not directly evident but rely on careful analysis and mathematical reasoning. For example, he developed an elegant proof for the Pythagorean theorem by considering a right triangle with sides of lengths 3, 4, and 5 (the "Pythagorean triple"). The concept of "right triangles" is still taught in mathematics courses today. Apollonius' work was influential in the development of geometry and has been applied to fields like astronomy, physics, engineering, and medicine.