#ask maths questions

#Frequently Asked Questions in Mathematics

The Sci.Math FAQ Team.

Copyright (C) 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997.

This is a compilation of Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers) about Mathematics. Topics range from trivia and the trivial to advanced subjects such as Wiles recent proof of Fermat's Last Theorem.

There are several formats available for the table of contents, mostly because HTML does not handle math symbols well. At this time pretty much all versions are in synchrony. (See list of updates ). The available formats are: Note: The FAQ in dvi format contains an Encapsulated PostScript drawing which cannot be read directly from your local dvi browser. Any ideas?

• Text Based Browsers such as Lynx should browse the Text Table of Contents. This link is also great for low bandwith (aka slow) connections.
• Graphic Browsers such as Mosaic or Netscape should browse the Table of Contents.
• Dvi (TeX) Format is available for on-screen browsing. This dvi version has small pages, so that users with 14" monitors may read each page without scrolling. (245KB)
• Dvi (TeX) Format This is a printer ready dvi version. (235KB)
• New Acrobat (PDF) Format This is a printer ready pdf version. (458KB)
• PostScript Format. The dvi file above is also available in PostScript. (550KB)
• Compressed PostScript Format. The PS file above is also available in *.ps.Z (210KB) and *.ps.zip (165KB) formats.

Last modifications

The Math FAQ is a so-called living document, meaning that changes and updates are constantly being introduced. This list should help you decide if it is the time to have a second look at the document.

• February 1998 New HTML version. Minor updates elsewhere.
• March, 1997. Yet more new record primes. Updates to Hilbert's section. Many other minor suggestions.
• December, 1995. New record primes. New section on Algebraic Numbers by Andrea de Paoli. Information about the International Math Olympiad home page.
• November, 1995. As promised, the new version of the FAQ is now available in HTML for both graphic and text based browsers.
• October, 1995. FAQ made into book format, with a more natural division in chapters and sections. More updates on Fermat's last theorem. Largest primes. Mathematical Constants.
• March, 1995. Fermat's last theorem update. Textbook section. Largest known primes. List of record numbers. Unsolved Problems. Trisection of the Triangle. Naming of Large Numbers.
• February, 1995. Fields Medal Winners. 0^0=1. Fields Medal history. Cayley/Magma.

Copyright

Copyright (c) 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 A. Lopez-Ortiz

This FAQ is Copyright (C) 1993, 1994, 1995, 1995, 1996, 1997 by Alex Lopez-Ortiz. This text, in whole or in part, may not be sold in any medium, including, but not limited to electronic, CD-ROM, or published in print, without the explicit, written permission of Alex Lopez-Ortiz.

Individual sections are Copyright (C) 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 of their individual maintainers.