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MathematicalPhysicist
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What fields of interest in number theory should I learn to fully understand his and Taylor's proof?
Is there a comprehensible list?
Is there a comprehensible list?
matt grime said:recursively learn something.
Andrew Wiles' proof, also known as the Wiles-Taylor conjecture, is a mathematical proof that solves Fermat's Last Theorem, a famous problem in number theory that remained unsolved for over 300 years.
Wiles used a technique called "modular forms" to prove his theorem. He combined this with other mathematical concepts such as elliptic curves and Galois representations to develop a proof that is now considered one of the most brilliant achievements in mathematics.
Wiles spent over 7 years working on the proof, starting in 1986 and finally announcing his solution in 1993. However, it was later found that there was a gap in the proof, and it took Wiles and his colleague Richard Taylor another year to fill in this gap and complete the proof.
Wiles' proof of Fermat's Last Theorem had a huge impact on mathematics. It opened up new areas of research and sparked interest in number theory and its applications. It also solidified Wiles' reputation as one of the greatest mathematicians of our time.
Yes, Wiles' proof is considered to be one of the most significant achievements in mathematics. It solved a problem that had baffled mathematicians for centuries and has been hailed as a masterpiece in the field. It also earned Wiles numerous prestigious awards and accolades.