Fermat's last theorem

American  

[fer-mahz] / fɛrˈmɑz /

noun

Mathematics.

1. the unproved theorem that the equation xn + yn = zn has no solution for x, y, z nonzero integers when n is greater than 2.

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Fermat's last theorem British  

/ fɜːˈmæts /

noun

1. (in number theory) the hypothesis that the equation xn + yn = zn has no integral solutions for n greater than two

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Fermat's last theorem Scientific  

/ fĕr-mäz′ /

1. A theorem stating that the equation a ⁿ + b ⁿ = c ⁿ has no solution if a, b, and c are positive integers and if n is an integer greater than 2. The theorem was first stated by the French mathematician Pierre de Fermat around 1630, but not proved until 1994.

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Etymology

Origin of Fermat's last theorem

First recorded in 1860–65; named after P. de Fermat

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Fermat's last theorem

The meaning of life, the laws of general relativity, quantum mechanics, Fermat's last theorem.

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2025

The exception came to be known as Fermat’s last theorem.

From New York Times ● Jan. 31, 2022

Or, for a more recent example, consider mathematician Andrew Wiles working in his attic for years to prove Fermat’s last theorem before finally announcing his success in 1995.

From Scientific American ● May 6, 2020

Fermat's last theorem is also connected to another deep question in number theory called the abc conjecture, Rognes points out.

From Nature ● Mar. 14, 2016

It was discovered by Pierre Fermat, the same French mathematician who came up with the famous Fermat’s last theorem.

From Slate ● Jun. 3, 2013

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