In 'Fermat's Enigma,' Simon Singh unravels the mysterious 350-year-old problem posed by Pierre de Fermat, which stumped some of the greatest minds in mathematics. Through an engaging narrative, he explores the intersecting lives of mathematicians who sought to solve the enigma of Fermat's Last Theorem. A rollercoaster of intellectual pursuit, the book reveals the history, passion, and rivalry that characterize mathematical exploration. Singh not only documents a monumental achievement in mathematics but also invites readers to ponder the beauty and complexity of numbers. Prepare to dive into a world where curiosity meets genius, and unlock the secrets hidden within equations.
By Simon Singh
Published: 1998
"Mathematics is not just about numbers, equations, or computations; it is about understanding the universe and our place within it."
xn + yn = zn, where n represents 3, 4, 5, ...no solution "I have discovered a truly marvelous demonstration of this proposition which this margin is too narrow to contain." With these words, the seventeenth-century French mathematician Pierre de Fermat threw down the gauntlet to future generations. What came to be known as Fermat's Last Theorem looked simple; proving it, however, became the Holy Grail of mathematics, baffling its finest minds for more than 350 years. In Fermat's Enigma--based on the author's award-winning documentary film, which aired on PBS's "Nova"--Simon Singh tells the astonishingly entertaining story of the pursuit of that grail, and the lives that were devoted to, sacrificed for, and saved by it. Here is a mesmerizing tale of heartbreak and mastery that will forever change your feelings about mathematics.
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“Mathematics is not just about numbers, equations, or computations; it is about understanding the universe and our place within it.”
Fermat's Enigma
By Simon Singh
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Simon Singh is a British author and journalist, renowned for his works that merge mathematics, science, and history. He gained fame with his best-selling book, "Fermat's Enigma," which explores the famous mathematical problem and its resolution. Singh is also known for his engaging writing style, which makes complex subjects accessible to a general audience, as seen in his other notable works like "The Code Book" and "Big Bang." In addition to his writing, he has contributed to popular science through documentaries and television programs, further raising public interest in mathematics and science. Singh's passion for promoting understanding of mathematical concepts continues to inspire readers and STEM enthusiasts around the world.
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