Have you ever wondered who was responsible for popularizing the mathematics constant pi? Many people may not have heard of Leonhard Euler, the 18th century Swiss mathematician who was largely responsible for spreading the knowledge of this famous number. Euler was one of the most influential mathematicians of all time, and arguably the most important Swiss mathematician. In this article, we’ll take a look at why Euler is considered the “Father of Modern Mathematics” and how he popularized pi.
Leonhard Euler was born in Switzerland in 1707 and was a prodigious student of mathematics. He wrote a number of texts and treatises on mathematics and calculus while still a student. He made important advances in the field of trigonometry and is credited with introducing the lettered constants “e” and “i” into the mathematical lexicon. Euler is also credited with popularizing the number Pi and successfully applying the principles of calculus to the motion of a planet in its orbit. His work inspired other mathematicians, such as the French scientist Lagrange, to create the theories of what is now known as the Euler-Lagrange equation.
Euler’s most famous contribution to mathematics is the famous expression for pi, derived from a series of mathematical operations involving the circumference and area of a circle. His equation was first presented to the Prussian Academy of Sciences in 1735 and is now widely used as an easy way to calculate pi to any desired accuracy. Funny enough, Euler never mentioned the constant pi by its name, and only referred to it as the ‘circular number’ in his paper!
In addition to popularizing pi, Euler was the first person to correctly define the relationship between the gamma function and the factorial function. He also invented the calculus of variations, which becomes a fundamental principles of mathematical modelling. Euler’s work in algebra, calculus, applied mathematics, and even celestial mechanics kept him in the spotlight even after his death in 1783.
In conclusion, it is clear to see that Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler was the major influence in popularizing the mathematics constant, pi. Euler’s work helped provide the foundations of calculus and mathematical modelling, and he also made huge advances in the fields of algebra, trigonometry, and celestial mechanics. All of these contributions made Euler one of the most influential mathematicians of all time. He is remembered for discovering the equation for pi and for introducing the lettered constants “e” and “i” into the mathematical lexicon. Without Leonhard Euler, mathematics, and pi, would be a far less interesting subject.