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Proof, The
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Program Overview
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The Pythagorean Theorem is simple: x2 + y2 = z2. In this form, the equation can
be solved. But what if the 2 is replaced with any positive integer
greater than 2? Would the equation still be solvable? More than 300
years ago, amateur mathematician Pierre de Fermat said no, and
claimed he could prove it. Unfortunately, the book margin in which
he left this prophecy was too small to contain his thinking.
Fermat's Last Theorem has since baffled mathematicians armed with
the most advanced calculators and computers. NOVA chronicles the
seven-year effort of one mathematician, Andrew Wiles, who
methodically works in near isolation to determine the proof for this
seemingly simple equation.
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