How did Pierre de Fermat work in math affect us today?
He single-handedly founded modern number theory as well as made advancements in areas such as probability theory, infinitesimal calculus, analytic geometry, and optics. Some of his contributions include Fermat numbers and Fermat primes, Fermat’s principle, Fermat’s Little Theorem, and Fermat’s Last Theorem.
Could Fermat along with or instead of Newton and Leibniz be considered to be an inventor of calculus?
Stretching from the days of ancient Greece, calculus was developed and refined throughout the centuries, up until the time of Newton and Leibniz. Fermat invented some of the early concepts associated with calculus: finding derivatives and finding the maxima and minima of equations.
What is the importance of calculus?
Calculus can tell us all about the motion of astronomical bodies, weather patterns, electric and electronic circuits and systems, and the movement of sound and light, to name a few. It has probably been useful in the invention of a great amount of objects in your home.
How did Pierre de Fermat become a mathematician?
Following his study of Vieta’s work, and of treatises written by Archimedes, the 21 year-old Fermat made his first important contributions to mathematics in 1629, with new methods of finding maxima, minima, and tangents.
What is the contribution of Fermat in mathematics?
Fermat developed the two-square theorem, and the polygonal number theorem, which states that each number is a sum of three triangular numbers, four square numbers, five pentagonal numbers, and so on. Although Fermat claimed to have proven all his arithmetic theorems, few records of his proofs have survived.
Why is Newton important to the history of science and physics?
Isaac Newton is considered one of the most important scientists in history. During his lifetime Newton developed the theory of gravity, the laws of motion (which became the basis for physics), a new type of mathematics called calculus, and made breakthroughs in the area of optics such as the reflecting telescope.