Revisiting an old Math Problem

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a high school algebra problem, with particular focus on a proof related to Fermat's Last Theorem. Participants critique the clarity and validity of the arguments presented in an attached file, leading to a debate about the appropriateness of personal theories in the forum.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses skepticism about the clarity and rigor of the proof, describing it as "sloppy" and criticizing a basic logical statement as "boringly obvious."
  • Another participant challenges the initial critique, asking for specific references to the claims made about the proof.
  • A different participant requests clarification on a specific step of the proof, indicating confusion about the assumptions involved.
  • A participant asserts that personal theories are not permitted in the forum, suggesting a boundary on acceptable contributions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, with multiple competing views on the validity of the proof and the appropriateness of personal theories in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the assumptions made in the proof and the clarity of the arguments presented. The discussion reflects differing interpretations of the material and the standards for contributions within the forum.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in algebra, mathematical proofs, and the discourse surrounding Fermat's Last Theorem may find this discussion relevant.

manuelsmarin
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Would someone check the attached file? It's simple high school algebra.
 

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manuelsmarin said:
Would someone check the attached file? It's simple high school algebra.



I just read the very first few lines, as it seems to be one more simple ""proof"" of Fermat's last Theorem or something of

the kind. The language used is sloppy, and where it begins with that nonsense of
[tex]\text{if}\,\,A+B=C+D\,\,\text{and}\,\,A=C\,\,,\, \text{then} \,\,B=D[/tex]
which is so boringly obvious that it shouldn't even appear in a paper trying to prove "a very important theorem of mathematics"

DonAntonio
 
Are you the only member of this forum? You're such a bully...
 
manuelsmarin said:
Are you the only member of this forum? You're such a bully...


"Bully"? Were you expecting me, or anyone else, to write your opinion on this, or you'd rather have my own opinion?

Well, perhaps other members of the forum have different opinions. Good luck with that.

DonAntonio
 
DonAntonio: I can't find where he says what you say he says. Can you please point out the page and the phrase that was used?
 
Hi manuelsmarin and welcome to the forums.

Can you please explain in more detail step [8] of the general proof for n > 2? I get all the identities including step 9 used for later steps (i.e. 10 and greater) but not that one. What assumptions have you made?
 
chiro said:
DonAntonio: I can't find where he says what you say he says. Can you please point out the page and the phrase that was used?

Page 2, Test For Equality Theorem
IF ##(x-y+z)=(u+w)## AND either ##(x-y)=u## or ##(x-y)=w##, THEN, in the first case, ##z=w## or, in the second case, ##z=u##.
 
Personal theories are not allowed in this forum.
 

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