Maths Times Infinity > History > Fermat
Pierre de Fermat
{17/8/1601 - 12/1/1665}
Famous for his "last theorem". This was that the equation xn+yn=zn has no solution for positive integers x, y and z and n>=3. This wasn't proven until as recently as 1997 by Andrew Wiles. Many mathematicians made contributions along the way, from gradual steps to big breakthroughs and invalid proofs.
It turns out there are infinitely many pythagorean triples, 52 + 122 = 132, for example. But when it comes to cubes and higher powers, it isn't possible.