Preliminary Booksellers Text: Do Not Use. In 1995, Andrew Wiles published two papers containing a proof of Fermat's Last Theorem. BRAVO FOR THIS GREAT MATHEMATICAL FEAT! Nevertheless, one shouldn't dismiss the earlier attempts to solve the problems. From giants in mathematics to clever amateurs, all did their best. In this book, aimed at amateurs, teachers, and mathematicians curious about the unfolding of the subject, the author restricts his attention exclusively to elementary methods. There are other books about Wiles' proof but the reader without an extended solid background may prefer to stay with this book.

Klappentext

In 1995, Andrew Wiles completed a proof of Fermat's Last Theorem. Although this was certainly a great mathematical feat, one shouldn't dismiss earlier attempts made by mathematicians and clever amateurs to solve the problem. In this book, aimed at amateurs curious about the history of the subject, the author restricts his attention exclusively to elementary methods that have produced rich results.

Inhalt

The Problem.- Special Cases.- 4 Interludes.- Algebraic Restrictions on Hypothetical Solutions.- Germain's Theorem.- Interludes 5 and 6.- Arithmetic Restrictions on Hypothetical Solutions and on the Exponent.- Interludes 7 and 8.- Reformulations, Consequences, and Criteria.- Interludes 9 and 10.- The Local and Modular Fermat Problem.- Epilogue.