By modern standards, how much math did Isaac Newton know?

by MisterJasonC

Assuming he understood modern notation, could he pass a university-level multivariable calculus exam? What about a differential equations final? Linear algebra? Higher?

MichaelTreadgold

Considering even parts of single-variable calculus were only referenced as late as the 1800's, it's unlikely Newton would have passed those exams. But he probably would have been a quick learner.

organiker

Well, Newton is widely credited (along with Leibniz) as the one who invented calculus, so he'd definitely be a very quick study in the methods and advances that came along after.

He also worked in linear algebra (e.g. the Newton-Rhapson method for solving systems of equations), so that wouldn't be a problem either.