What Eric Temple Bell calls the last problem is the problem of proving 'Fermat's Last Theorem', which Fermat wrote in the margin of a book almost 350 years ago. The original text of The Last Problem traced the problem from 2000 BC to 17th century France. Along the way we learn quite a bit about history, and just as much about mathematics. Underwood Dudley's notes bring us up-to-date on recent attempts to solve the problem - for the latest printing, he has added a three page addendum about its recent proof by Andrew Wiles. ...
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What Eric Temple Bell calls the last problem is the problem of proving 'Fermat's Last Theorem', which Fermat wrote in the margin of a book almost 350 years ago. The original text of The Last Problem traced the problem from 2000 BC to 17th century France. Along the way we learn quite a bit about history, and just as much about mathematics. Underwood Dudley's notes bring us up-to-date on recent attempts to solve the problem - for the latest printing, he has added a three page addendum about its recent proof by Andrew Wiles. This book fits no categories. It is not a book of mathematics: it is a biography of a famous problem. Pages go by without an equation appearing. It is both a history of number theory and its place in our civilisation, and a history of our civilisation's relationship with mathematics. This rich and varied, wide-ranging book, written with force and vigor by someone with a distinctive style and point of view will provide hours of enjoyable reading for anyone interested in mathematics.
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Add this copy of The Last Problem (Spectrum) to cart. $29.99, new condition, Sold by OceanWaveBooks rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newbury Park, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1998 by The Mathematical Association of America.
Add this copy of The Last Problem. Introduction and Notes By Underwood to cart. $34.18, Sold by Zubal Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Cleveland, OH, UNITED STATES, published 1990 by The Mathematical Association of America.
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Seller's Description:
Revised edition, 326 pp., Paperback, previous owner's name to half-title page, minor bump to upper corner of pages else text clean & binding tight. Includes errata sheet. -If you are reading this, this item is actually (physically) in our stock and ready for shipment once ordered. We are not bookjackers. Buyer is responsible for any additional duties, taxes, or fees required by recipient's country.
Add this copy of The Last Problem to cart. $35.00, very good condition, Sold by Sutton Books rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Norwich, VT, UNITED STATES, published 1998 by The Mathematical Association of America, 1990.
Add this copy of The Last Problem (Spectrum) to cart. $50.50, new condition, Sold by Chidoc5 Rare Books rated 2.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Highland Park, IL, UNITED STATES, published 1998 by The Mathematical Association of America.
Add this copy of The Last Problem (Spectrum) to cart. $76.10, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1998 by The Mathematical Association o.
Add this copy of The Last Problem (Spectrum) to cart. $120.53, new condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1998 by The Mathematical Association o.