The BBC Horizon program from 1984, titled “The Greatest Unsolved Problems in Mathematics” is a must-see for any math enthusiast. Featuring interviews with top mathematicians from around the world, this documentary provides an in-depth look at some of the most famous unsolved riddles in mathematics.
One of the highlights of the program is its exploration of Fermat’s Last Theorem. Widely regarded as one of the most notorious unsolved problems in mathematics, this theorem has kept generations of mathematicians scratching their heads for centuries and was only solved in 1995.
In addition to Fermat’s Last Theorem, other famous mathematical conundrums discussed include Goldbach’s Conjecture, the Riemann Hypothesis and P=NP Problem. These topics are explored with far greater detail than what can be found online or in textbooks, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of these concepts and why they remain so important today.
The documentary also takes care to provide context on each topic by looking back into history and examining how these mathematical marvels have intrigued generations before us. From Euclid to Bertrand Russell, viewers will learn about some of the prominent mathematicians who dedicated their life to solving these mysteries and furthering our knowledge of the subject as a whole.
However, it isn’t just unsolved problems that this documentary sheds light on – it also delves into ones that were already disproven throughout history. One such example is Merten’s Conjecture which held firm for 99 years until it was proven wrong in 1984. Interestingly enough, even after being checked on computers up to 10 billion numbers it still remained unproven – making us question what we consider certainties today despite having far less evidence supporting them.
This captivating documentary offers something for everyone: whether you are a casual enthusiast or an aspiring mathematician you will find plenty to be interested in here. So why not take a break from your everyday activities and dive into this fascinating world? After all, you never know where this journey may take you!
