Fermat's little theorem

Meaning

Proper Noun

• The theorem that, for any prime number p and integer a, a ^p − a is an integer multiple of p.

Related

Similar words

• Fermat's theorem

Origin

• Named after French mathematician Pierre de Fermat (1607-1665), who stated a version of the theorem in a letter in 1640. Called little to distinguish it from Fermat's Last Theorem.