# David H. Bailey > American mathematician **Wikidata**: [Q92751](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q92751) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_H._Bailey_(mathematician)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/david-h-bailey ## Summary David H. Bailey is an American mathematician and computer scientist known for his work in experimental mathematics, particularly for developing the Bailey–Borwein–Plouffe formula, which provides a mathematical expression for calculating the nth binary digit of π. His contributions have advanced computational methods in scientific research and earned him prestigious awards, including the Chauvenet Prize and the Gordon Bell Prize. ## Biography - Born: 1948-08-14 - Nationality: United States - Education: - Bachelor of Science, Brigham Young University (1972) - Doctor of Philosophy, Stanford University (1976) - Known for: Pioneering work in experimental mathematics, including the Bailey–Borwein–Plouffe formula - Employer(s): - Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (since 1998) - Ames Research Center - Field(s): Experimental mathematics, computer science ## Contributions David H. Bailey has made significant contributions to computational mathematics, particularly in the development of algorithms for high-precision numerical calculations. His most notable work is the Bailey–Borwein–Plouffe (BBP) formula, published in 1995, which allows for the direct computation of individual binary digits of π without calculating the entire number. This formula has been widely used in scientific computing and has influenced research in numerical analysis. Bailey has also led large-scale computational projects, including the development of the Linpack benchmark for high-performance computing. His work has earned him recognition in both academic and industry circles, with notable awards such as the Chauvenet Prize and the Gordon Bell Prize. ## FAQs ### Q: What is David H. Bailey known for? A: David H. Bailey is known for his work in experimental mathematics, particularly for developing the Bailey–Borwein–Plouffe formula, which enables the computation of individual binary digits of π. ### Q: Where did David H. Bailey receive his education? A: He earned a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University in 1972 and a Doctor of Philosophy from Stanford University in 1976. ### Q: What awards has David H. Bailey received? A: He has received the Chauvenet Prize in 1993 and the Gordon Bell Prize in 2008 for his contributions to computational mathematics. ### Q: What is the Bailey–Borwein–Plouffe formula? A: The BBP formula is a mathematical expression that allows for the direct computation of the nth binary digit of π without calculating the entire number, revolutionizing high-precision numerical calculations. ### Q: Where does David H. Bailey work? A: He is currently employed at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and has previously worked at the Ames Research Center. ## Why They Matter David H. Bailey's work has had a profound impact on the field of computational mathematics, particularly in the development of algorithms for high-precision numerical calculations. His Bailey–Borwein–Plouffe formula has become a cornerstone in scientific computing, enabling researchers to compute individual digits of π and other constants with unprecedented efficiency. Bailey's contributions have influenced the design of high-performance computing systems and have earned him recognition as a leading expert in experimental mathematics. His work continues to shape the development of computational tools and methods in scientific research. ## Notable For - Developed the Bailey–Borwein–Plouffe formula, a breakthrough in high-precision numerical calculations. - Received the Chauvenet Prize in 1993 and the Gordon Bell Prize in 2008 for his contributions to computational mathematics. - Led large-scale computational projects, including the Linpack benchmark for high-performance computing. - Earned an Erdős number of 2, reflecting his connections to prominent mathematicians. - Published extensively in experimental mathematics, influencing research in numerical analysis and scientific computing. ## Body ### Early Life and Education David H. Bailey was born on August 14, 1948. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University in 1972 and his Doctor of Philosophy from Stanford University in 1976 under the supervision of Donald Samuel Ornstein. ### Career and Research Bailey's career has been marked by significant contributions to experimental mathematics and computational science. His most notable work is the Bailey–Borwein–Plouffe formula, published in 1995, which provides a mathematical expression for calculating the nth binary digit of π. This formula has been widely used in scientific computing and has influenced research in numerical analysis. ### Awards and Recognition Bailey has received several prestigious awards, including the Chauvenet Prize in 1993 and the Gordon Bell Prize in 2008. His work has earned him recognition as a leading expert in experimental mathematics and computational science. ### Professional Affiliations Bailey is currently employed at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he has been since 1998. He has also worked at the Ames Research Center and has made significant contributions to high-performance computing. ### Legacy and Influence David H. Bailey's work has had a lasting impact on the field of computational mathematics. His Bailey–Borwein–Plouffe formula has become a cornerstone in scientific computing, enabling researchers to compute individual digits of π and other constants with unprecedented efficiency. Bailey's contributions continue to shape the development of computational tools and methods in scientific research. ## References 1. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/award_winners/bailey_4123295#160) 2. [Source](https://www.maa.org/programs/maa-awards/writing-awards/chauvenet-prizes) 3. International Standard Name Identifier 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. CiNii Research 6. OPAC SBN 7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 8. Mathematics Genealogy Project