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When Descartes Challenged Fermat (and Lost)

submitted by happytoes to mathematics 1.3 yearsJan 17, 2023 15:38:56 ago (+2/-0)     (www.youtube.com)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKfEmbWBgvM

Wonderful mix of history and mathematics. Works a detailed example of Descartes' method for finding the slope of tangents. Then does Fermat's. Which sets the scene for Descartes' challenge x^3 + y^3 - 3xy = 0. Will Fermat solve it? Worth the 47 minutes to watch all the way to the dramatic denouement.


2 comments block

Monica 1 points 1.3 years ago

oh.