Fermat's Last Theorem related question

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In summary, the equation x^{n}+y^{n}=z^{n} has a nontrivial solution if and only if the equation \frac{1}{x^{n}}+\frac{1}{y^{n}}=\frac{1}{z^{n}} has a nontrivial solution, as shown by the proof provided.
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Ninty64
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Homework Statement


Show that [itex]x^{n}+y^{n}=z^{n}[/itex] has a nontrivial solution if and only if the equation [itex]\frac{1}{x^{n}}+\frac{1}{y^{n}}=\frac{1}{z^{n}}[/itex] has a nontrivial solution.

Homework Equations


By nontrivial solutions, it is implied that they are integer solutions.

The Attempt at a Solution


I was able to solve in one direction
Given an integer solution to [itex]\frac{1}{x^{n}}+\frac{1}{y^{n}}=\frac{1}{z^{n}}[/itex]
Then it follows that:
[itex]\frac{x^{n}+y^{n}}{x^{n}y^{n}}=\frac{1}{z^{n}}[/itex]
[itex]x^{n}y^{n}=z^{n}x^{n}+z^{n}y^{n}[/itex]
[itex](xy)^{n}=(zx)^{n}+(zy)^{n}[/itex]
Therefore, since the set of integers is closed under multiplication, then [itex]x^{n}+y^{n}=z^{n}[/itex] has a nontrivial solution.

However, I can't seem to prove the other direction. Working the above proof backwards doesn't work unless I assume that d = gcd(x,y) and somehow prove that z = xy.
 
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  • #2
Ninty64 said:
Working the above proof backwards doesn't work
Applying exactly the same method in the reverse direction appears to work.
 
  • #3
I might note that ##\frac{1}{\frac{1}{x^n}}+\frac{1}{\frac{1}{y^n}}=\frac{1}{\frac{1}{z^n}}## is identical to writing ##x^n+y^n=z^n##. Then you can refer back to your earlier proof.
 
  • #4
alternatively, since the formula you start with is symmetric, try doing something symmetric to it :wink:
 

1. What is Fermat's Last Theorem?

Fermat's Last Theorem is a mathematical theorem first proposed by the French mathematician Pierre de Fermat in the 17th century. It states that for any three whole numbers a, b, and c, where n is greater than 2, the equation an + bn = cn has no whole number solutions.

2. Has Fermat's Last Theorem been proven?

Yes, in 1995, British mathematician Andrew Wiles presented a proof for Fermat's Last Theorem after working on it for over 7 years. This proof was later accepted by the mathematical community after being peer-reviewed.

3. What is the significance of Fermat's Last Theorem?

Fermat's Last Theorem is considered one of the most famous and important unsolved problems in mathematics. Its proof has led to advancements in various branches of mathematics, including number theory and algebraic geometry.

4. Are there any real-world applications of Fermat's Last Theorem?

While there are no direct applications of Fermat's Last Theorem, its proof has led to developments in other areas of mathematics, which in turn can have real-world applications. For example, the techniques used to prove Fermat's Last Theorem have been applied to other mathematical problems and have also been used in cryptography.

5. Are there any generalizations of Fermat's Last Theorem?

Yes, there are several generalizations of Fermat's Last Theorem, including the Beal Conjecture, which states that for any three whole numbers a, b, and c, where n, x, and y are integers greater than 2, the equation ax + by = cz has no non-trivial solutions. Other generalizations include the Catalan's Conjecture and the abc Conjecture.

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