What was Sophie Germain family history?

Answer 1

Sophie Germain was born on April 1, 1776, in Paris, France, into a well-to-do family. Her father, a successful silk merchant, encouraged her education, but her mother opposed it, particularly due to the societal norms of the time that discouraged women from pursuing intellectual endeavors. Despite these obstacles, Germain developed a passion for mathematics and taught herself by studying the works of prominent mathematicians, eventually becoming a notable figure in the field. Her family's initial support, particularly from her father, was crucial in her pursuit of knowledge in a male-dominated discipline.