Fermat's theorem

American  

noun

Mathematics.

1. the theorem that an integer raised to a prime power leaves the same remainder as the integer itself when divided by the prime.

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Etymology

Origin of Fermat's theorem

First recorded in 1805–15; named after P. de Fermat

Example Sentences

But if the abc conjecture is true, Fermat’s theorem is more easily explained.

From Scientific American • Jul. 28, 2023

In 1753, he announced that he had solved an aspect of Fermat’s theorem.

From New York Times • Jan. 31, 2022

The proof of this theorem is a direct consequence of the extreme value theorem and Fermat’s theorem.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

Malcolm Gladwell writes in his book “Outliers” of the almost magical 10,000 hours of concentrated application required to reach full potential in any pursuit, whether it be figure skating or solving Fermat’s theorem.

From Salon • Jun. 14, 2012

In fact, the mathematical fallout from Fermat's theorem has turned out to be more significant than the original theorem itself.

From Time Magazine Archive