Final answer:
Isaac Newton invented calculus in the mid-17th century as he worked on problems in physics, particularly to understand celestial motion and force of gravity. His work culminated in the 'Principia Mathematica' (1687), which set the groundwork for modern physics and required a new kind of mathematics that became calculus.
Step-by-step explanation:
Isaac Newton invented calculus in the mid-17th century, spurred by the need for mathematical tools that could address the complexities of motion and change. While the exact dates are not definitively known, his work on calculus began in the 1660s with his method of fluxions, which later evolved into what we recognize as calculus.
In particular, Newton's desire to understand celestial movements and the forces governing them led to the development of calculus. His monumental work, Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, published in 1687, included his laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation. To prove these laws mathematically, especially the fact that the magnitude of the force of gravity decreases with the increasing distance between objects, Newton created calculus, enabling him to calculate changing quantities.
Building upon earlier work by Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler, Newton's contributions established the bedrock for modern physics and mathematics. It is remarkable that Newton, working largely in isolation, made such significant strides in science and mathematics. Not only did he invent calculus, but his comprehensive work also encompassed the areas of motion, gravity, optics, and laid the foundation for understanding the physical universe as we know it today.