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Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
Early Life
• Born July 1, 1646• Leipzig, Saxony• Educated family
Education
• University of Leipzig– Bachelor’s Degree in philosophy– Master’s Degree in philosophy
• University at Altdorf– Doctorate in Law
Contributions to Mathematics
• Notation
dydx
Chain Rule
y = f(g(x))
dydx
dy dudu dx
=u=g(x)
Calculus Controversy
• Discovery of calculus– Integrals, maxima/minima
• Newton vs Leibniz– Leibniz published first– Different notation• Royal Society ruled in favor of Newton (Dr. Roberts
comment: Newton essentially authored the report as President of the Royal Society)
Binary Number system
• Universal language• Information as a series of on/off choices
Other work
• Writings– Philosophy– Theology– Metaphysics
New Essays on Human Understanding Discourse on Metaphysics
End of Life
• Last 40 years spent in Hanover• Died November 14, 1716• Buried in Hanoverian Court Church
Questions
