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