Evariste Galois
Early Life
Evariste Galois was born on October 25, 1811, in Bourg-la-Reine, a small town near Paris. His father, Nicolas-Gabriel Galois, was the mayor of the town and his mother, Adélaïde-Marie, was known for her intellectual abilities, particularly in languages and mathematics. Galois was the eldest of the couple's three children.
Education
From an early age, Galois showed a strong interest in mathematics. He began his formal education at the Collège Royal in Louis-le-Grand, where he excelled in his studies. In 1827, at the age of 16, he entered the École Polytechnique, France's most prestigious institution for mathematical studies. However, his unconventional approach to mathematics often led to conflicts with his professors.
Mathematical Contributions
Galois made significant contributions to the field of abstract algebra, particularly in the area of group theory. His work laid the foundation for Galois theory, which provides a connection between field theory and group theory. This theory is now a key tool in the solution of many mathematical problems, including the determination of the solvability of polynomial equations.
Galois also made important contributions to the theory of equations. His work in this area led to the development of the concept of a Galois group, which is used to describe the symmetries of the roots of a polynomial equation.
Political Activism
In addition to his mathematical work, Galois was also involved in political activism. He was a passionate supporter of the French Revolution and was arrested several times for his political activities. His political beliefs and activities often overshadowed his mathematical work, and he was expelled from the École Polytechnique for his political activities.
Death and Legacy
Galois died at the young age of 20, on May 31, 1832, from wounds sustained in a duel. The circumstances surrounding the duel remain a mystery, but it is believed to have been related to his political activities.
Despite his short life, Galois left a significant legacy in the field of mathematics. His work has had a profound impact on many areas of mathematics, including algebra, number theory, and geometry. His contributions to the field of algebra, in particular, have been instrumental in the development of modern algebra.