Fermat's theorem

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Fermat's theorem¹

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

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

From New York Times

And despite guidance from Richard Taylor, a white mathematician then at Harvard who had assisted in solving Fermat’s theorem, Dr. Goins was unable to publish the paper he produced four years later.

From New York Times

It’s time to attach female names to the relativity theory, to the proof of Fermat’s theorem, to the painter of the Sistine Chapel, and to the fastest marathon runner.

From New York Times

“They also put up a not-quite-true counter-example to Fermat’s Theorem,” Joel Rubin posted on Nov. 7, 1995.

From Slate