Space-Time Trigonometry and Formalization of the “Twin Paradox” for Uniform and Accelerated Motions

Abstract.

The formal structure of the early Einstein’s Special Relativity follows the axiomatic deductive method of Euclidean geometry. In this paper we show the deep-rooted relation between Euclidean and space-time geometries that are both linked to a two-dimensional number system: the complex and hyperbolic numbers, respectively.

By studying the properties of these numbers together, pseudo-Euclidean trigonometry has been formalized with an axiomatic deductive method and this allows us to give a complete quantitative formalization of the twin paradox in a familiar “Euclidean” way for uniform motions as well as for accelerated ones.