Jacob Bernoulli

Swiss mathematician and theorist, probability

Jacob Bernoulli - Scientists & Innovators born 1654
Born

1654
371 years ago

Died
Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

Switzerland

Links & References

A mathematician and theorist contributed to the development of calculus and probability theory. Played a significant role in the early foundations of mathematical analysis and introduced the concept of the Bernoulli numbers. His work laid the groundwork for further studies in probability, influencing future mathematicians. Authored notable works, including 'Ars Conjectandi', which detailed principles of probability and combinatorial analysis. His contributions extended to the study of series and logarithms.

Developed early concepts of probability

Introduced Bernoulli numbers

Authored 'Ars Conjectandi'

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