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Middle school

Powers and positive integers

A power repeats multiplication; positive integers start at one.

Start with a concrete example

3² means 3 × 3. Change the shared exponent on 3, 4 and 5: when does the sum of the first two equal the third?

3^2 + 4^2 = 5^29 + 16 = 25

Exponent 2: left 25, right 25.

How this example differs from the definition

These are examples for one triple, not a proof for every positive integer triple.

A small check: try the idea

Compare the numbers in the question with the diagram you are moving. You can try again.

Does 3²+4²=5² contradict FLT, which requires exponent at least 3?

Read the answer and reasoning

No; exponent 2 is outside that claim. Set the exponent to 2: the equality holds. Now notice the condition n≥3. A counterexample must satisfy the hypotheses too.

Build the idea in three steps

  1. A positive integer is one of 1, 2, 3, … . Zero is not positive.
  2. aⁿ multiplies a by itself n times. For example, 2³ = 2 × 2 × 2 = 8.
  3. FLT uses one exponent n for all three numbers and requires n ≥ 3. A successful example with exponent two does not violate it.

A small example

3² + 4² = 9 + 16 = 25 = 5². The condition 3 ≤ n excludes this example.

Use in Lean · original excerpt

FLT · aa2d8b3 · S_fermat_last_theorem.lean

theorem solution (n : ℕ) (hn : 3 ≤ n) (a b c : ℕ) (ha : 0 < a) (hb : 0 < b) (hc : 0 < c) : a ^ n + b ^ n ≠ c ^ n :=  FLT.fermatLastTheorem n hn a b c ha.ne' hb.ne' hc.ne'

How to read this Lean

In the signature, hn is the exponent condition; ha, hb and hc require positive bases. The symbol ^ denotes a power.

Where this idea is used

1. The impossible order2. The case of three3. Too many suspects4. The suitcase diet5. The suspicious parcel6. The scissors incident7. The veterans’ cabinet8. The secret duet9. Two doors to the concert10. A three-note audition11. Borrow a better passport12. The workshops agree13. Pip’s impossible quilt14. The shrinking reservation15. The concert of absolute silence16. The room with no room
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Powers and positive integers

One thing at a time

Read the three explanation steps first. The Lean source is there for a closer look afterwards; you do not have to read it first.

In simpler words

A power repeats multiplication; positive integers start at one.

Earlier ideas are listed under “Start with these ideas” on this page.

A small clue

3² + 4² = 9 + 16 = 25 = 5². The condition 3 ≤ n excludes this example.

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