Pierre de Fermat

Pierre de Fermat was a French mathematician who lived in the 17th century. He is best known for Fermat's Last Theorem, which states that there are no three positive integers a, b, and c that satisfy the equation \(a^n + b^n = c^n\) for any integer value of n greater than 2. This theorem was famously inscribed in the margin of a book, along with the note that he had found a truly marvelous proof that was too large to fit in the margin.

Fermat also made significant contributions to number theory and probability theory. He is credited with laying the foundations for modern calculus, and his work on the theory of numbers and the study of prime numbers has had a lasting impact on the field of mathematics.

For school students, understanding Fermat's Last Theorem can be fascinating as it is a challenging and intriguing problem to explore. It showcases the importance of proofs and the rigorous nature of mathematical reasoning. Fermat's work in number theory can also be studied to gain insights into the beauty and complexity of mathematical patterns and relationships.

CC BY-SA 3.0

Appreciate the work of Pierre de Fermat by trying some of the maths that this mathematician is known for.

There is an activity called Factor Trees that you could try right now. Create factor trees to find the prime factors of the given numbers.

So there's no better time than the present to learn some mathematics from the past: let's Go!

Transum has many activities for the topic 'Proof' and recommends you try some of them.

Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today: let's Go!