Celebrating Maria Gaetana Agnesi - Mathematician & Philanthropist

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In summary: Born on May 16th in Milan, 1718, Agnesi was an Italian mathematician who contributed to the field of analytic geometry and analysis. She is most famous for her work on the Witch of Agnesi equation, which is still in use today. Additionally, Agnesi was also a noted philosopher and philanthropist. Although she abandoned mathematics later in life, her work in other disciplines is highly respected.
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Astronuc
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Thursday (May 16) was the birthday of one of the first well-known female mathematicians of the Western world. Maria Gaetana Agnesi was born in Milan (1718).

http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/index.php?date=2013/05/16

Maria was a brilliant child. By age five, she spoke French as well as her native Italian. A few years later, she was fluent in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, and her family called her the "Walking Polyglot." At age nine, she addressed a group of academics in Latin on the subject of women's rights and access to education, and soon she was leading complex philosophical discussions between her father and his scholarly friends. She also began to pursue mathematics.
In 1738, Agnesi "began working on a math textbook that she could use to teach math to her siblings. But the book grew into more than just a teaching tool. In it she wrote an equation for a specific bell-shaped curve that is still used today and is known — because of mistranslation of the Italian by a British mathematician — as the "Witch of Agnesi." Analytical Institutions, which was published in 1748, was highly regarded in academic circles for synthesizing complex mathematical ideas with clarity and precision.

Analytical Institutions and the articulation of the Witch of Agnesi earned her a spot in the Bologna Academy of Sciences. But by that time, she had abandoned mathematics and devoted herself to charity work."

http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/Biographies/Agnesi.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Gaetana_Agnesi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_of_Agnesi


I wish that my earlier education in mathematics had included such information.
 
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The relationship between mathematics and languages is apparent! Happy belated birthday Maria Gaetana Agnesi!
 
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Astronuc said:
Thursday (May 16) was the birthday of one of the first well-known female mathematicians of the Western world. Maria Gaetana Agnesi was born in Milan (1718).

Yesterday (May 16，Friday) was the birthday of Maria Gaetana Agnesi. Sincere blessing to Agnesi.
 

1. Who was Maria Gaetana Agnesi?

Maria Gaetana Agnesi was an Italian mathematician, philosopher, and philanthropist. She was born in Milan in 1718 and is best known for her work on the cubic curve, which is now known as the "Witch of Agnesi".

2. What contributions did Maria Gaetana Agnesi make to mathematics?

Maria Gaetana Agnesi made significant contributions to mathematics, especially in the fields of calculus and algebra. She wrote the first comprehensive book on calculus, "Instituzioni analitiche ad uso della gioventù italiana" (Analytical Institutions for the Use of Italian Youth), and also developed a curve known as the "Witch of Agnesi". She was one of the first women to be recognized for her achievements in mathematics.

3. How did Maria Gaetana Agnesi use her wealth for philanthropy?

Maria Gaetana Agnesi was a devout Catholic and used her considerable wealth to help the poor and those in need. She established a home for elderly and sick women and also funded the creation of a hospital in Milan. She also donated money to various charitable organizations and causes throughout her life.

4. What is the "Witch of Agnesi" curve?

The "Witch of Agnesi" curve is a cubic curve that was first described by Maria Gaetana Agnesi in her book "Instituzioni analitiche ad uso della gioventù italiana". It is a curve that resembles a bell or the profile of a witch's hat, hence the name. It has applications in physics, engineering, and other fields of mathematics.

5. Why is Maria Gaetana Agnesi an important figure in the history of mathematics?

Maria Gaetana Agnesi is an important figure in the history of mathematics because she was one of the first women to be recognized for her contributions to the field. She was also one of the few women to be educated in mathematics during her time and her work on the "Witch of Agnesi" curve was groundbreaking. She paved the way for future generations of women in mathematics and inspired many with her achievements.

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