

He also introduced the modern notation for the trigonometric functions, the letter e for the base of the natural logarithm (now also known as Euler’s number), the Greek letter Σ for summations, and the letter i to denote the imaginary unit. Most notably, he introduced the concept of a function and was the first to write f( x) to denote the function f applied to the argument x. Euler Introduced the Mathematical NotationĮuler introduced and popularized several notational conventions through his numerous and widely circulated textbooks. An interesting fact about Leonhard Euler is that no other mathematician, past or present, has the distinct honor of having two numbers named after them. The “ e” and the “ γ” in the equations are known as “Euler’s Number” and “Euler Constant,” respectively. Students who love Mathematics will undoubtedly remember his name. In 1723, at the age of 16 years, Euler received a Master of Philosophy with a dissertation that compared the philosophies of René Descartes and Isaac Newton. He received private lessons and mathematics books to study from Bernoulli that improved his mathematics grasp. It was during this time that his father allowed him to become a mathematician rather than a pastor. He received the course on elementary mathematics under the supervision of a family friend Johann Bernoulli. Euler Earned his Master’s Degree at the Age of 16Įuler enrolled at the University of Basel at the age of 13. He also received private tutoring from a young theologian with a keen interest in mathematics. He enrolled in the Latin school in Basel.

His family moved from Basel to the town of Riehen, Switzerland, where he spent most of his childhood.įrom a young age, Euler received schooling in mathematics from his father, who had taken courses from Jacob Bernoulli some years earlier at the University of Basel.Įuler was sent to live at his maternal grandmother’s house when he was around eight years old. Leonhard Euler was the oldest of four children, two younger sisters, and a younger brother.
