Final Answer:
The beginning of what we know as Greek mathematics is attributed to Thales and Anaximander (option A).
Step-by-step explanation:
Greek mathematics has its roots in the works of early mathematicians, with Thales and Anaximander playing crucial roles. Thales, considered one of the Seven Sages of Greece, lived around 624–546 BCE. He is known for introducing deductive reasoning into geometry and for his contributions to understanding triangles. Anaximander, a student of Thales, furthered mathematical thought by developing theories related to geometry and astronomy (option A).
Thales is credited with several geometric principles, such as the concept that a circle is bisected by its diameter and that the base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal. These foundational ideas laid the groundwork for the more advanced mathematical developments that followed in ancient Greece.
Greek mathematics continued to flourish through subsequent periods, with the Academy of Plato and the works of mathematicians like Euclid and Archimedes contributing significantly. However, the seeds of Greek mathematical thought can be traced back to the pioneering efforts of early mathematicians like Thales and Anaximander, marking the beginning of a rich tradition that would shape the course of mathematical history.
In summary, option A) Thales and Anaximander represents the accurate starting point of Greek mathematics, capturing the foundational contributions of these early mathematicians to the field.