Monday, 15 April 2013

Google Doodle: Happy Birthday Leonhard Euler - Indiatimes.com

Google Doodles in memory of Leonhard Euler euler google doodle

Leonard Euler, a great physicist and mathematician turns 360 today and Google is celebrating his birthday with an interactive Google Doodle. Born on 15 April 1707, Euler's contribution to discoveries in the fields of infinitesimal calculus and graph theory is notable.

Euler discovered his love for mathematics at a young age. He received higher education and was enrolled in the University of Basel at the young age of thirteen. He completed his earlier education in the same region. Euler received his Masters of Philosophy in 1723, just 3 years later at the age of 16! Euler's father wanted his son to be a pastor and hence stressed on him learning subjects like theology, Greek and Hebrew. However, his tutor recognised Euler's talent for mathematics and convinced his father that Euler had the potential to be a great mathematician.

Euler contributed to all areas of mathematics and even certain areas of science like physics. His most notable contributions are in the field of mathematics: geometry, infinitesimal calculus, trigonometry, algebra, and number theory. In physics, he worked in the areas of continuum physics, lunar theory, etc.

The mathematical formula: V − E + F = 2 is discovered by Euler and he also proved the largest Mersenne prime number 2,147,483,647 derived by 2 raised to the power of 31 – 1. The number remained the largest known Prime Number till 1867.

Euler has an asteroid: 2002 Euler, named after him. Euler has also been commemorated on Swiss currency by being featured on the sixth series of the Swiss 10-franc banknote and on numerous Swiss, German, and Russian postage stamps.

Leonhard Euler Euler