Beal Conjecture Solution Worth $1 Million
The Beal Conjecture solution is worth $1 million. The Beal Conjecture is associated with a math equation that has remained unsolved for 350 years. Fermat’s Last Theorem has been frustrating mathematicians for centuries, including Texas billionaire D. Andrew Beal. He is now offering $1 million for the solution.
Beal has unsuccessfully worked toward a solution since 1993. In 1997 he offered $5,000 for the solution. In 2000 the amount was raised considerably to $100,000. As the solution still has not been found, Beal raised the reward to $1 million.
Studying Fermat’s Last Theorem, Beal came to a partial conclusion, which only frustrated him further.
As reported by ABC News, He took his theory to R. Daniel Mauldin of the University of North Texas, who encouraged him to offer a reward for the solution. Beal offered the first reward 16 years ago. To date he has never received the correct solution.
Solving the Beal Conjecture will not only curb Beal’s frustration, it will revolutionize the field of math. Additionally, Beal has stated that he hopes the $1 million reward will encourage “young people to pursue math and science.”
To win the $1 million it is important to understand what is required. Fermat’s Last Theorem was published without a solution. As reported by Yahoo News, Fermat’s Theorem states that “no three positive integers a, b, and c can satisfy the equation a^n + b^n = c^n for any integer value of n greater than two.” Fermat stated that he had proven the equation. However, he never published the proof.
Beal’s Conjecture must be proven to collect the $1 million. The conjecture states that ” if A^x + B^y = C^z, where A, B, C, x, y, and z are positive integers with x, y, z > 2, then A, B, and C have a common prime factor.”
Proof of a solution and publication in a major scientific journal are strict requirements for the reward. Beal’s conjecture has frustrated mathematicians worldwide. However, Beal hopes that the increase in reward will finally lead to a solution.
[Image via Wikimedia]
