'A Man Who Knew Infinity: The True Story of Srinivasa Ramanujan'

Srinivasa Ramanujan was an Indian mathematician who contributed significantly to mathematical analysis, number theory and continued fractions during the early 20th century. Despite having limited formal education and working independently, he developed extensive and highly original mathematical research. His work caught the attention of renowned British mathematician G. H. Hardy, who invited Ramanujan to study at Cambridge University. The story of Ramanujan's life and work was popularized in the 2015 film 'The Man Who Knew Infinity,' directed by Matt Brown.

Early Life and Education 

Ramanujan was born in 1887 in a small Tamil Nadu, India village. He showed an early interest in mathematics and began self-studying at a young age. However, his formal education was limited, as he dropped out of high school to pursue his passion for mathematics. Despite this, he was able to make substantial contributions to the field and even developed his mathematical notation.

Ramanujan's Work 

Ramanujan's work was primarily focused on mathematical analysis, number theory, and continued fractions. He made significant contributions in these areas, including developing new theorems and solving previously unsolved problems. In particular, he made significant advancements in studying the properties of the number pi, and his work on the partition of numbers is still considered groundbreaking.

Meeting Hardy 

In 1913, Ramanujan wrote a letter to G. H. Hardy, a renowned British mathematician, outlining some of his mathematical theories. Hardy was so impressed by Ramanujan's work that he invited him to Cambridge to develop his ideas further. Ramanujan accepted the offer and travelled to England, where he spent the next five years working with Hardy and other prominent mathematicians.

Legacy 

Ramanujan's contributions to mathematics have significantly impacted the field and continue to be studied and studied today. His work has been influential in many areas of mathematics, including number theory, algebra, and analysis. He was also a pioneer in mathematical physics, and his work laid the foundation for developing modern string theory. Ramanujan died in 1920 at 32, but his legacy lives on through his mathematical discoveries and the many researchers who have built on his work.

Conclusion 

Srinivasa Ramanujan was a self-taught Indian mathematician who contributed significantly to mathematical analysis, number theory, and continued fractions despite having a limited formal education. His work caught the attention of renowned British mathematician G. H. Hardy, who invited Ramanujan to study at Cambridge University. Ramanujan's contributions to mathematics have significantly impacted the field and continue to be studied and studied today. His legacy lives on through his mathematical discoveries and the many researchers built on his work.