Fermat's last theorem

Fermat's Last Theorem is an algebraic statement proposed by Pierre de Fermat in about 1630. It states that:

It is impossible to separate any power higher than the second into two like powers,

or, using more formal mathematical notation:

If an integer $n$ is greater than 2, then $a^n+b^n=c^n$ has no solutions in non-zero integers $a$, $b$, and $c$.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard was working on a proof for Fermat's Last Theorem as a pastime. (TNG: "The Royale")

Jadzia Dax stated that one of her previous hosts, Tobin Dax, had "the most original approach to the proof since Wiles over 300 years ago." (DS9: "Facets")

Background

The Royale" aired in 1989, four years before a proof for Fermat's Last Theorem was published by Andrew Wiles. The mention in "Facets" may be understood as a subtle correction for the incongruency.

Fermat had claimed that he had found a simple proof for his Last Theorem without ever presenting it. No written records of that alleged proof could be found after his death. The proof by Wiles was lengthy, complex and essentially required advanced 20th century mathematical concepts, so it is extremely unlikely that Fermat has known Wiles' proof. So even if Fermat's Last Theorem has been proved in 1993, the question remains open whether the simple proof Fermat claimed to have found exists or not.

External links

• Fermat's last theorem at Wikipedia
• Andrew Wiles at Wikipedia