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Karl Weierstrass
Mathematician

Karl Weierstrass

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Giving mathematical analysis rigorous definitions of limits and continuity.

Foundations of analysis · Complex functions

Born
31 October 1815
Birthplace
Ostenfelde
Died
19 February 1897

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Karl Weierstrass

Karl Weierstrass was a German mathematician whose research and teaching helped establish modern analysis. He worked on elliptic functions, convergence and the foundations of calculus.

Early life

An indirect route

Left Bonn without a degree, then studied mathematics and teacher training in Münster.

Career

  1. 1843

    School teaching

    Began teaching in Deutsch Krone while pursuing research.

  2. 1856

    Berlin appointment

    Joined the Gewerbeinstitut.

  3. 1864

    University chair

    Became a professor at Berlin University.

Contributions

Foundations of analysis

Developed precise approaches to continuity and convergence.

Complex functions

Advanced the study of elliptic and analytic functions.

Beyond work

Mentorship

Privately taught Sofia Kovalevskaya when she could not gain university admission and supported her doctorate.

Sources & photo creditBiography and career ↗Biographical references ↗

Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.

Photo: Artistic portrait; Creator not stated; see image source. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.