Mathematicians Encyclopedia Entry 1776708244
Summary: This encyclopedia entry is dedicated to the life and work of Andrew Wiles, a renowned British mathematician who solved Fermat's Last Theorem, a problem that had gone unsolved for over 350 years.
Overview
Andrew Wiles is a British mathematician born on April 11, 1953, in Cambridge, England. He is best known for his proof of Fermat's Last Theorem, a problem that had been open for over 350 years. Wiles' work on number theory and modular forms has had a significant impact on the field of mathematics, and his proof of Fermat's Last Theorem is considered one of the most significant achievements in mathematics in the 20th century.
Wiles' interest in mathematics began at an early age, and he was particularly drawn to number theory. He studied mathematics at Clare College, Cambridge, and later earned his Ph.D. from Princeton University. After completing his graduate studies, Wiles held positions at several universities, including Harvard and Princeton, before becoming a professor at Oxford University.
History/Background
Fermat's Last Theorem, which states that there are no integer solutions to the equation a^n + b^n = c^n for n>2, was first proposed by the French mathematician Pierre de Fermat in 1637. Fermat claimed to have a proof, but unfortunately, it was lost after his death. Over the centuries, many mathematicians attempted to prove the theorem, but none were successful. In the 19th century, mathematicians such as Sophie Germain and Ernst Kummer made significant contributions to the field of number theory, but the theorem remained unsolved.
In the 20th century, mathematicians such as David Hilbert and Emmy Noether made significant contributions to the field of number theory, but the theorem remained open. In the 1980s, Wiles became fascinated with the theorem and began working on a proof. He spent seven years working on the problem, often in secret, as he was afraid that others might steal his ideas.
Key Information
Wiles' proof of Fermat's Last Theorem is based on a deep understanding of number theory and modular forms. He used a technique called the "modularity theorem," which relates the properties of elliptic curves to the properties of modular forms. Wiles' proof is incredibly complex and involves many advanced mathematical concepts, including Galois representations and the Taniyama-Shimura conjecture.
In 1993, Wiles presented his proof at the Isaac Newton Institute in Cambridge, but it was met with skepticism by some mathematicians. Wiles' proof was later verified by other mathematicians, including Richard Taylor, and it was officially accepted as a proof of Fermat's Last Theorem.
Significance
Wiles' proof of Fermat's Last Theorem has had a significant impact on the field of mathematics. It has led to a deeper understanding of number theory and modular forms, and it has opened up new areas of research in mathematics. The proof has also been recognized as one of the most significant achievements in mathematics in the 20th century, and it has been celebrated as a major milestone in the history of mathematics.
INFOBOX:
- Name: Andrew Wiles
- Type: Mathematician
- Date: April 11, 1953 (born)
- Location: Cambridge, England
- Known For: Proof of Fermat's Last Theorem
TAGS: Andrew Wiles, Fermat's Last Theorem, Number Theory, Modular Forms, Galois Representations, Taniyama-Shimura Conjecture, Elliptic Curves, Mathematical Proof, British Mathematician.
