John Von Neumann

By Kiara Williams &

Kai Stringer
Background Info
 John von Neumann was born
Janos LajosMargittai Neumann
on December 28, 1903, in
Budapest, Hungary.
 He was raised in a non-practicing
Jewish home and had an
exceptional memory.
 At an early age he was able to
divide eight digit numbers in his
head.
 He had also learned calculus
when he was only eight years
old.
Education
 After graduation from high school, Von Neumann received
his Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Budapest.
He also simultaneously studied chemistry in Switzerland.
 Between the years of 1926 and 1930 he was a private
lecturer in Berlin Germany.
 In 1930, Princeton University invited him to lecture on
mathematical physics. During his stay at Princeton, the
founders of the Institute of Advanced Study asked him to
accept a chair in mathematics. He accepted and became
one of the original members of the institute and remained
there for the rest of his life.
Famous For….
 John von Neumann was
mostly known for his work on
the atomic bomb aka the
Manhattan project.

 In 1943 he began working on

the atomic bomb alongside
Einstein and Oppenheimer.
Famous For…Continued
 After completing the task
of building the bomb he
became interested in
using machines for the
calculation of numbers.
His fascination with
computers grew and he
immensely contributed to
the creation of modern
computers.
Neumann’s Theories
 Set theory states that a statement in the language of ZFC
is provable in NBG if and only if it is provable in ZFC.

 Game theory states that an individual’s success in

making choices depends on the choices of others.

 Automata Theory is Body of physical and logical principles

underlying the operation of any electromechanical device (an
automaton) that converts information input in one form into
another, or into some action, according to an algorithm.
 Neumann’s Theories

Set Theory

Automata Theory Game Theory

Practical Uses
 Some practical ways Von
Neumann used this
theories was that he used
his game theory to help
with games of skill like
chess and checkers. His
set theroy helped with the
use of the atomic bomb
and the automata theory
helped with the blueprints
of building robots.