Pafnuty Chebyshev was born on May 4 (16), 1821, in the village of Akatovo, Kaluga province, to a wealthy landowner, Lev Pavlovich, and his wife, Agrafena Ivanovna. He received his early education at home: his mother taught him literacy, and his cousin Avdotya taught him French and mathematics. In his childhood, Chebyshev was fond of music and showed interest in mechanisms, often creating various mechanical toys and devices.

At the age of 11, Pafnuty moved with his family to Moscow, where he continued his studies. His parents hired teachers for him in physics, mathematics, and Latin. In 1837, he entered Moscow University in the physics and mathematics department, graduating in 1841. Five years later, he defended his master's thesis on "An Experience in Elementary Analysis of Probability Theory."

Soon, Chebyshev was appointed adjunct professor at St. Petersburg University, where he taught higher algebra, geometry, and practical mechanics. At the age of 29, he became a professor at this university. Later, he was sent on business trips to Great Britain, France, and Belgium, where he studied mechanical engineering and the organization of industrial enterprises.

Upon returning to Russia, Chebyshev continued his scientific research, for which he was elected an ordinary academician. He was interested in number theory, applied mathematics, probability theory, geometry, and the theory of function approximation. In 1851, he published a work titled "On the Determination of the Number of Prime Numbers Not Exceeding a Given Value," which brought him fame in Europe. In the article "On Prime Numbers," he analyzed the convergence of series related to prime numbers and calculated criteria for their convergence. In his work "On Averages," he first presented the modern understanding of random variables in probability theory.

Chebyshev achieved significant success in the theory of function approximation, dedicating about 40 years to this topic. He solved the problem of finding polynomials that deviate least from zero, which later found application in computational linear algebra. He also researched mathematical analysis and geometry, creating a theorem on the conditions for the integrability of the differential binomial.

Later, Chebyshev published an article on differential geometry titled "On the Cutting of Clothes," where he introduced a new class of coordinate grids known as "Chebyshev grids." He also worked in the military artillery department, developing methods for more accurate shooting. His formula for determining the range of a projectile has survived to this day.

In the 1850s, Chebyshev began studying articulated lever mechanisms and developed a theory of functions that deviate least from zero. He detailed his discoveries in the book "Theory of Mechanisms Known as 'Parallelograms,'" becoming the founder of the mathematical theory of mechanism synthesis. Throughout his career, he created over 40 mechanisms and about 80 of their transformations, many of which are used in modern engineering.

At the World Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876, Chebyshev's steam engine was presented, distinguished by numerous advantages. He also created a "walking machine" that imitated the walking of animals and an original wheelchair that resembled a scooter. Additionally, he developed an automatic arithmometer, which is now housed in the Paris Museum of Arts and Crafts.

Chebyshev dedicated his entire life to science and lived alone. He passed away on November 26 (December 8), 1894, at the age of 73, at his writing desk.