Pierre de Fermat

Profession: Mathematician

Nationality:

Biography: Pierre de Fermat made significant contributions to several areas of mathematics. He developed early methods in calculus, number theory, and probability.

Fermat studied law at the University of Orléans, earning his bachelor's degree in 1626. He began his mathematical work in Bordeaux, influenced by the writings of François Viète. In 1630, Fermat became a councilor at the Parlement de Toulouse, a position he held throughout his life.

While working as a lawyer, Fermat pursued mathematics as a hobby. He developed techniques for finding the maximum and minimum points of curves, which laid groundwork for calculus. Fermat also worked on number theory, formulating several important theorems. His most famous conjecture, known as Fermat's Last Theorem, remained unproven for over 300 years.

Fermat collaborated with Blaise Pascal on probability theory, exchanging letters that helped establish the field's foundations. In optics, he proposed the principle of least time, which explains how light travels between points.

Despite his achievements, Fermat rarely published his work. He often communicated his findings through letters to other mathematicians. This led to some disputes, including disagreements with René Descartes over analytic geometry.

Fermat's work influenced later mathematicians, including Isaac Newton. He died in 1665 in Castres, France. After his death, his son published some of his manuscripts as "Varia opera mathematica" (1679).

Born: August 17, 1607
Birthplace: Beaumont-de-Lomagne, France
Star Sign: Leo

Died: January 12, 1665 (aged 57)