Did Fermat proof the Fermat's Last Theorem?

In summary, the conversation discusses the famous Fermat's Last Theorem and the speculation surrounding whether or not Fermat actually had a proof for it. The conversation also touches on the history of attempts to solve the problem and the recent solution by Wiles, Shimura, Taniyama, and other mathematicians. The conversation also mentions a PBS Nova TV special that delves into the topic in a more accessible manner.
  • #1
newton1
152
0
did fermat proof the Fermat's Last Theorem??
or did he know how to proof it??
what are you think of this??
 
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  • #3
That margin comment has been the teaser through the centuries. But it is doubtful that generations of fine mathers completely missed something that Fermat got correctly. The history of the problem shows much wreckage of battered hopes for easy solutions to it, so Fermat was probably wrong about having a valid proof. The problem now, following the solution by Wiles, Shimura, Taniyama and a bunch of other mathers, is to find a solution that is at least somewhat easier than this.

link --->
PBS Nova: the Proof - TVSCRIPT

The public seldom gets this much chance to see topnotch mathers talking over something important in almost understandable terms.

---

'mathers' is just my personal slang for 'mathematicians'; no insults intended.
 
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1. Did Fermat actually prove the Fermat's Last Theorem?

No, Fermat never actually published a proof for his famous theorem. He only wrote a marginal note claiming to have a proof, but it has never been found.

2. Has anyone else been able to prove Fermat's Last Theorem?

Yes, Andrew Wiles, a mathematician, was able to prove Fermat's Last Theorem in 1995 after almost 8 years of dedicated work. His proof was based on modern mathematical techniques and was widely accepted by the scientific community.

3. Why is Fermat's Last Theorem considered significant?

Fermat's Last Theorem is considered significant because it is one of the most famous and long-standing problems in mathematics. It states that no three positive integers a, b, and c can satisfy the equation an + bn = cn for any integer value of n greater than 2. Its proof has intrigued and challenged mathematicians for centuries.

4. What was the impact of Fermat's Last Theorem on mathematics?

Fermat's Last Theorem has had a significant impact on mathematics, specifically in the field of number theory. It has led to the development of new mathematical techniques and tools, as well as the discovery of new connections between different mathematical concepts. It has also inspired further research and exploration into other unsolved mathematical problems.

5. Is there any practical application of Fermat's Last Theorem?

Although Fermat's Last Theorem has no direct practical application, its proof has helped advance our understanding of mathematics and its underlying principles. The techniques and methods used to prove it have also been applied to other mathematical problems, leading to further advancements in the field.

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