Newton

Definition

Sir Isaac Newton was an English mathematician, physicist, astronomer, and author who is widely recognized as one of the most influential scientists of all time. In calculus, his work laid the groundwork for differential and integral calculus through the development of early concepts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Newton, along with Leibniz, is credited with the development of calculus.
2. Newton's notation for derivatives and integrals influenced modern calculus symbols.
3. His work on limits and infinitesimals helped formalize the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
4. Newton's method for finding roots of functions is a foundational technique in numerical analysis.
5. The concept of fluxions introduced by Newton is an early form of what we now call derivatives.

Review Questions

• What are some contributions of Isaac Newton to the field of calculus?
• How did Newton's work influence the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus?
• Describe Newton's method and its significance in numerical analysis.

Related terms

Leibniz:

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was a German mathematician who independently developed calculus around the same time as Newton. His notation for integrals and differentials is widely used today.

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus:

$$\text{Connects differentiation with integration, stating that differentiation and integration are inverse processes.}$$

Fluxions: $$\text{An early term used by Newton to describe his version of derivatives.}$$