Peter gustav lejeune dirichlet biography sample

In number theory , he proved special cases of Fermat's last theorem and created analytic number theory. In analysis , he advanced the theory of Fourier series and was one of the first to give the modern formal definition of a function. In mathematical physics, he studied potential theory , boundary-value problems , and heat diffusion , and hydrodynamics.

Although his surname is Lejeune Dirichlet, he is commonly referred to by his mononym Dirichlet , in particular for results named after him. His father Johann Arnold Lejeune Dirichlet was the postmaster, merchant, and city councilor. Although his family was not wealthy and he was the youngest of seven children, his parents supported his education.

They enrolled him in an elementary school and then private school in hope that he would later become a merchant. The young Dirichlet, who showed a strong interest in mathematics before age 12, persuaded his parents to allow him to continue his studies. In they sent him to the Gymnasium Bonn [ de ] under the care of Peter Joseph Elvenich , a student his family knew.

Dirichlet number theory

In , Dirichlet moved to the Jesuit Gymnasium in Cologne , where his lessons with Georg Ohm helped widen his knowledge in mathematics. He left the gymnasium a year later with only a certificate, as his inability to speak fluent Latin prevented him from earning the Abitur. Dirichlet again persuaded his parents to provide further financial support for his studies in mathematics, against their wish for a career in law.