Alternative Proof of Fermat's Last Theorem?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a paper claiming to provide a proof of Fermat's Last Theorem by Andrew H. Warren. Participants are evaluating the validity and rigor of the proof, considering its presentation and the author's claims regarding its reception by referees.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses skepticism about the paper, noting that the phrase "not rejected - not accepted" seems contradictory and suggests a lack of understanding from the referees rather than a genuine proof.
  • Another participant critiques the paper for its lack of algebra and reliance on geometric interpretations, describing it as "geometric-like rantings" and emphasizing the importance of logical reasoning in mathematical writing.
  • A participant mentions that the paper does not fit the typical "algebra-without-justification" category, indicating that it lacks substantial algebraic content.
  • One participant categorically labels the paper as a "crackpot paper," implying a strong dismissal of its validity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express skepticism about the validity of the proof, with multiple competing views on the quality of the paper and the author's approach. There is no consensus on whether the paper has merit or is simply flawed.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight issues such as undefined terms, handwaving, and a lack of logical structure in the paper, which may contribute to the confusion among referees. The discussion does not resolve these concerns.

jobsism
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I found this paper, which is a supposed "proof" of Fermat's Last Theorem, while I was doodling around online. I would have normally ignored it, due to the vast quantity of crackpot proofs that are available on the subject. But the author of this proof (someone named Andrew H. Warren) claims in the paper, "Originally submitted to American Mathematical Society on February 16, 1991. Not rejected – no flaws
were found. Not accepted – the referees could not grasp the key concept. The author hopes that improved presentation and better graphics will make the understanding of the concept easier to grasp.
".

I'm just a beginner in proofs, but it certainly didn't seem like an "algebra-without-justification" type proof. Could anyone here have a look at it, and tell if it's genuine, or just another crank playing with big words?

Here's the file:- files.asme.org/MEMagazine/Articles/Web/15299.pdf
 
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I find the phrase "not rejected- not accepted" very strange. If it was not accepted then it was rejected! He says "no flaws. The referees could not grasp the key concept". That makes me think he did what cranks usually do. Having no idea what a mathematical proof is there was so much handwaving, undefined terms, and non-sequiturs that that the referees could NOT grasp what he was saying and did not point out specific "flaws". Cranks never realize the fact that making no sense is a flaw- and an uncorrectable one.

I looked at the paper briefly. I would say it is NOT a case of an "algebra without justification". There is little to no algebra in the paper. The writer interprets the theorem geometrically, in terms of hyper-cubes, and then starts talking about painting portions of the hyper-cubes.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
jobsism said:
I found this paper, which is a supposed "proof" of Fermat's Last Theorem, while I was doodling around online. I would have normally ignored it, due to the vast quantity of crackpot proofs that are available on the subject. But the author of this proof (someone named Andrew H. Warren) claims in the paper, "Originally submitted to American Mathematical Society on February 16, 1991. Not rejected – no flaws
were found. Not accepted – the referees could not grasp the key concept. The author hopes that improved presentation and better graphics will make the understanding of the concept easier to grasp.
".

I'm just a beginner in proofs, but it certainly didn't seem like an "algebra-without-justification" type proof. Could anyone here have a look at it, and tell if it's genuine, or just another crank playing with big words?

Here's the file:- files.asme.org/MEMagazine/Articles/Web/15299.pdf



Just from reading the beginning one can tell: this is not a mathematician's paper, not even a well-educated, lover-of-mathematics- non-mathematician paper. These are just the geometric-like rantings of someone who thinks she/he knows better, and if the paper looks as it does now after the author "improved" the presentation, no wonder the first one was such that no referee won't even try to read, let alone to check to depth.

First condition to be taken seriously in the mathematical realm: learn how to write mathematics. This is way beyond knowing how to write down equations or stuff: the writing must be wrapped with a logical, sound and consecutive sequence of reasonings, not drawings, arrows or stuff.

DonAntonio
 
It's a crackpot paper.
 

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