Question

The total number of propositions in the Elements are:

• A. 465
• B. 460
• C. 13
• D. 55

Answer 1

The correct option is A

465

The correct option is (A)

The explanation for the correct option:

1. The statement that can be proved are called propositions or theorems,
2. This part of geometry was exercised by the Greek mathematician Euclid, who has also described it in his book, Elements.
3. The ‘Elements’ was divided into thirteen books that popularized geometry all over the world.
4. Elements are a collection of definitions, postulates (axioms), propositions (theorems and constructions), and mathematical proofs of the propositions.
5. Proportions or theorems are statements that can be proved. Euclid deduced 465 proportions in a logical chain using his axioms, postulates, definitions, and theorems.

The explanation for the incorrect option:

Option (B): The total number of propositions in the Elements is not 460.

Option (C): The total number of propositions in the Elements is not 13.

Option (D): The total number of propositions in the Elements is not 55.

Euclid deduced 465 propositions in a logical chain making use of his definitions, postulates, axioms, and theorems.

Therefore, the total number of propositions is an option (A) 465.