Andrew Wiles

#### Mathematician and Professor Emeritus at Princeton University

Full Name and Common Aliases

Andrew John Wiles is the full name of this renowned mathematician, often referred to by his initials A.J.W.

Birth and Death Dates

Born on April 11, 1953, in Cambridge, England, Andrew Wiles is still alive today.

Nationality and Profession(s)

A British national, Andrew Wiles' career spans multiple roles: as a mathematician, professor emeritus at Princeton University, and visiting professor at the University of Oxford.

Early Life and Background

Growing up in a family that valued education, Andrew was encouraged from an early age to explore mathematics. His father, also named Andrew, was a civil servant. The younger Wiles' interest in numbers led him to pursue mathematics at Cambridge's King's College, where he graduated with honors in 1974.

Major Accomplishments

Andrew Wiles is best known for his work on Fermat's Last Theorem (FLT), a problem that had gone unsolved since Pierre de Fermat proposed it in the 17th century. In 1993, after seven years of intense study, Wiles developed a proof of FLT using modular forms and elliptic curves, a solution so complex that he initially struggled to communicate his findings.

Notable Works or Actions

In addition to proving FLT, Andrew Wiles made significant contributions to number theory, particularly in the areas of modular forms and elliptic curves. His work laid the foundation for advancements in cryptography and coding theory.

Impact and Legacy

Wiles' proof of Fermat's Last Theorem had far-reaching implications for mathematics and beyond. The impact on mathematics itself was substantial: it not only solved a long-standing problem but also opened up new avenues of research. In the broader world, Wiles' work influenced cryptography and coding theory, enhancing online security.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Andrew Wiles is widely quoted and remembered for his groundbreaking proof of Fermat's Last Theorem, which not only solved a centuries-old problem but also demonstrated the power and beauty of mathematics. His dedication to understanding FLT at great personal cost earned him recognition as one of the greatest mathematicians of our time.

As a renowned figure in mathematics, Andrew Wiles continues to inspire new generations of mathematicians, scientists, and thinkers. His remarkable story serves as a testament to the importance of perseverance, original thinking, and the pursuit of knowledge.