quadratur

Quadratur, also known as "quadrature" in English, is a mathematical term referring to the process of determining the area of a planar region, especially a plane geometric shape such as a circle or an irregular figure, by approximation or exact calculation. Originally rooted in geometry, quadrature was historically associated with the challenge of constructing a square with the same area as a given curved figure, notably a circle.

In classical geometry, quadrature involves the process of "squaring" a figure—finding a square with an area equal to that of the shape in question. For instance, the quadrature of the circle was a famous problem in ancient mathematics, which was proven to be impossible using only the classical tools of Euclidean geometry, due to the transcendental nature of pi.

With the development of calculus in the 17th century, quadrature evolved into a more general method for calculating areas under curves. The definite integral, a fundamental concept in integral calculus, can be viewed as a modern algebraic approach to quadrature, allowing precise computation of areas bounded by curves, lines, and other geometric figures. Techniques such as Riemann sums and the fundamental theorem of calculus formalize this process.

Today, "quadratur" is primarily used in mathematical analysis and numerical methods for area approximation, especially when exact integration is difficult or impossible. It remains a cornerstone concept linking geometry and analysis, illustrating the progression from geometric construction problems to advanced calculus techniques in understanding and calculating areas.