KARL WEIERSTRASS“The Father of Modern Analysis”

BASIC INFORMATION

Karl Weierstraß was born in Ostenfelde, Germany in 1815. Along with mathematics, he also taught physics, botanics, and gymnastics.

Weierstrass died inBerlin, Germany from pneumonia.

STUDIES

Karl Weierstrass studied mathematics at the University of Munster. Along with mathematics, he studied elliptic functions. He is known for his work in functions, therefore giving him the nickname, “The Father of Modern Analysis”.

HIS LIFE

Weierstrass was constantly moving around Prussia. His father, when he was eight, became a tax inspector. His mother died in 1827. His father remarried. His father later became an assistant in the main tax office, and Weierstrass entered the Catholic Gymnasium. While at the gymnasium, Weierstrass reached a level of knowledge of mathematics beyond what would have been expected and tutored one of his brothers in mathematics. After graduating from the gymnasium, Weierstrass entered the University of Bonn, with a pre-planned course made by his father that included the study of law, finance, and economics. But, he could not decide to obey his father’s wishes or study his favorite subject: mathematics. As a result, he did not go into any course, acting as if he did not care about studies, and spent four years of intensive fencing and drinking.