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daja57's review against another edition
4.0
This book makes mathematics both understandable and interesting! It is an incredibly well-told story about the nature of mathematics and mathematicians and the search for the proof of Pierre Fermat's last theorem. It explains what the theorem is and the nature of mathematical proof and it comes as close as imaginably possible to explaining how mathematical techniques and knowledge developed until a proof of the theorem could be devised.
Pythagoras's famous equation ("for a right-angled triangle, the square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other two sides") leads to a simple mathematical equation. Pierre Fermat, in 1637 or thereabouts, wondered whether you could have an equivalent equation using cubes rather than squares, or indeed any higher power. He claimed, in a marginal note, that "I have discovered a truly marvellous proof of this, which this margin is too narrow to contain". But in the ensuing 350 years no mathematician could prove 'Fermat's Last Theorem' (last because it was the last to be confirmed). Then, in 1993, Andrew Wiles claimed to have a proof. But did he?
This book is stuffed with brilliant anecdotes and wonderful curiosities from the world of mathematics,
Pythagoras's famous equation ("for a right-angled triangle, the square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other two sides") leads to a simple mathematical equation. Pierre Fermat, in 1637 or thereabouts, wondered whether you could have an equivalent equation using cubes rather than squares, or indeed any higher power. He claimed, in a marginal note, that "I have discovered a truly marvellous proof of this, which this margin is too narrow to contain". But in the ensuing 350 years no mathematician could prove 'Fermat's Last Theorem' (last because it was the last to be confirmed). Then, in 1993, Andrew Wiles claimed to have a proof. But did he?
This book is stuffed with brilliant anecdotes and wonderful curiosities from the world of mathematics,
kaph's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
A great example of how to talk about a scientific topic to the general public. A tour de force spanning centuries of mathematical (and non) history, without a single boring section. Every bit of maths needed to get closer to the climax is well introduced and made interesting for potentially anyone. This is mixed with some great drama voiced by the people directly involved in this 300+ year long story, be it through letters, curious emails or direct interviews. It also shines some light into the process of doing math/science with some great one-liners that I've found personally relevant.
A lesson in scientitic dissemination.
A lesson in scientitic dissemination.
melancholy_books's review against another edition
4.0
It's crazy how the Taniyama–Shimura can play such an importance in morden day maths. Unification of different areas in my eyes only build towards a more accurate image of the world. Plus the history of the problem is wonderfully entertaining.
pinkgallah's review against another edition
5.0
What an amazing story. It goes through all the mathematics that made proving Fermat's Last Theorem possible, going into just enough detail (for me anyhow). Getting through some of the maths really gave me a little thrill. I can see some of why prime numbers are so magical.