Understanding Fermat's Last Theorem's Proofs

TL;DR

This paper provides a beginner-friendly overview of Fermat's Last Theorem's proof, including historical context, key definitions, and recent simplifications, aimed at advanced high school students.

Contribution

It compiles and simplifies the proof's history, concepts, and recent developments to make the complex proof accessible to beginners.

Findings

Summarizes the original 1995 proof of Fermat's Last Theorem.

Highlights recent efforts to simplify the proof for educational purposes.

Provides a timeline and outline suitable for high school students.

Abstract

We take the perspective of an advanced high school student trying to understand the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem for the first time. We collect definitions and statements needed to summarise how Fermat's Last Theorem was first proved in 1995 as well as to see how the argument has simplified since then. We include a current timeline, outlines of proofs, background material and recent developments, as well as to organise the content in a way that is beginner friendly, offering a preview of what students may expect to learn more deeply in the future.