Ramanujan: Did he actually exist?

In summary, "Ramanujan: Did he actually exist?" explores the life and contributions of the renowned Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, addressing skepticism about his existence and the impact of his work on modern mathematics. The article highlights his unique approach to mathematics, his collaboration with British mathematician G.H. Hardy, and the profound influence of his discoveries on number theory and mathematics as a whole, affirming his historical significance and the reality of his life and achievements.
  • #1
Steve Zissou
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Just for fun -
Did Ramanujan actually exist, or was he just an alter-ego of Hardy?
What do you think?
 
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o0)
 
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Ramanujan existed. His work was so distinctly different to Hardy's, that they could not have both risen from the same educational background. Nicolas Bourbaki once said he was a very good friend of Ramanujan, and that Hardy was an imposter.
 
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gleem said:
Nicolas Bourbaki does not exist.
Do not believe everything you read on the internet. I can tell you that my grandfather Arthur Besse, has a photo of him with Bourbaki and M. Lothaire.
 
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  • #6
gleem said:
Nicolas Bourbaki does not exist.
First, it was suggested that Ramanujan did not exist, and now you are claiming his good friend Bourbaki does not exist either.
And there I was, thinking all the time, that this thread was about the non-existence of Ramanujan. You are clearly off-topic.
 
  • #7
I'm getting dizzy...
 
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Baluncore said:
You are clearly off-topic.
Does the topic actually exist?
 
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Thread got off to a bad start from the beginning. It is closed now so the world stops spinning... o0)
 
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FAQ: Ramanujan: Did he actually exist?

Who was Srinivasa Ramanujan?

Srinivasa Ramanujan was an Indian mathematician who made substantial contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions. Born in 1887 in Erode, India, Ramanujan showed an extraordinary talent for mathematics from a young age, despite having little formal training. His work has had a lasting impact on the field of mathematics, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians in history.

Are there historical records that confirm Ramanujan's existence?

Yes, there are numerous historical records that confirm Ramanujan's existence. These include his birth and death records, academic records from his time at various schools and colleges in India, correspondence with other mathematicians, particularly G. H. Hardy, and published papers. Additionally, Ramanujan's life has been well-documented in biographies and historical accounts.

What are some of Ramanujan's most significant contributions to mathematics?

Some of Ramanujan's most significant contributions include his work on partition functions, modular forms, and mock theta functions. He also developed the Ramanujan prime, the Ramanujan theta function, and the Ramanujan conjecture, which later became a part of the Langlands program. His work on the properties of highly composite numbers and continued fractions has also been highly influential.

How did Ramanujan's work gain recognition?

Ramanujan's work gained recognition after he sent a letter to the renowned British mathematician G. H. Hardy in 1913, containing several of his mathematical theorems. Impressed by Ramanujan's talent, Hardy arranged for him to come to Cambridge University in England. During his time at Cambridge, Ramanujan published numerous papers and collaborated with Hardy, significantly advancing his reputation in the mathematical community.

What is the legacy of Srinivasa Ramanujan in modern mathematics?

Ramanujan's legacy in modern mathematics is profound. His discoveries have influenced various fields, including number theory, combinatorics, and mathematical physics. Many of his theorems and conjectures have inspired further research and have been proven or extended by subsequent mathematicians. The Ramanujan Journal, established in his honor, publishes work in areas of mathematics influenced by his contributions. His story also continues to inspire mathematicians and non-mathematicians alike, highlighting the importance of creativity and intuition in scientific discovery.

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