Pierre+Fermat

Pierre de Fermat 1601-1665  Fermat was one of the pioneers of analytic geometry. He was the first person to have worked in the field of general power functions. He was also able to interpret geometric series before anyone else. The formula that he used to do so was used by people like Isaac Newton to help build the basic foundation of calculus. He worked in studying the number theorem, square numbers, and perfect numbers.  One of his greatest mathematical achievements was proving that there is not always only solution. Before him people thought there was only one solution to an equation. Fermat was able to prove that some equations had no solutions and some even had two. As this may be common knowledge too many students now a days during his time this was unheard of. He kept most of his work to prove this so people would not question it.  Fermat was one of the 17th century’s leading mathematicians. He worked to form the basis of geometry and basic probility. He died in January of 1665.