About This Project

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Mathematicians love theory or disproving theory. What better incentive than a share of a Million Dollars? Our goal to to help you do both.

An ancient theory, Fermat's Last Theorem, states that A^x+B^x=C^x. This was proven in 1994 . However, Texas number theory enthusiast 'Andy' Beal in 1993 submitted the results of thousands of cumulative hours of computerize data collection. His data suspected that A^x+B^y=C^z (note unique exponents) might also be impossible with co-prime bases. While certainly not conclusive, with his results, there was sufficient reason to share his discovery. He and others felt the need for further proof. Therefore, the Beal Prize of $1,000,000.

My goal as your Captain, is to utilize the advances in computer science to maximize the speed and volume by which can prove that Beal's Conjecture is false.

Want to get involved? Check out our Beal's Treasure Finder 3.0. No Skills required!

What is the significance of this project?

Demonstration of a the solution of a false case will be a great step forward in the field of mathematics, number theory and computer science. This project is a crowd computed project where each individual gets a 'chunk' of the problem to solve at a time. A 'chunk' is given in the form of (x, y) coordinates. For example if (x, y) = (2, 4) then the equation would be tested as A^2 + B^4 = C^z. This is tested for all values of A and B from 1 to a set number (currently 10000). This process is then repeated again and again for all values of x and y until either Captain Joe grows old or a solution is found.

The network will have the ability to scale to vast sizes and speeds to cover the greatest number of possible solutions, in the shortest amount of time, using the crowd computing method. This is similar to other projects such as SETI@Home, Folding@Home or Electric Sheep. Hopefully, with a large enough computational network, a solution will emerge that disproves Beal's Conjecture.

What are the goals of the project?

The Project will provide a website where users can join in the search for Beal's Treasure. Even though math is fun, no math skills needed! Funds will support the expenses of domain and web server for 3 years, including hardware, networking and software upgrades. Additional funds will go to advertising to increase the size of the network and financing new research involving massively parallel crowd computing.

Budget

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The budget will maintain the project's website for three years to allow enough time for innovation in the field of calculating for Beal's Conjecture. In crowd calculated projects, it often takes up to three years for the project to reach it's maximized computational potential. Improvements often come from the open source nature that can make great improvements in the efficiency of the end calculations, a larger user base, or a user base with newer hardware. Often a project can reach even greater potential, but after three years, the project should be self sustaining through donations.

Meet the Team

Joe Bowen

Computer Engineer

Affiliates

Bachelors of Science in Computer Engineering from Purdue University

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Team Bio

Joe Bowen (aka Captain Joe) was born in Milwaukee, WI in 1985. He grew up for most of his life in Lake Orion, MI. Eventually was able to reach the level of Eagle Scout and graduate high school in 2003. During college at Purdue University, Joe came down with a debilitating depression. Even with the illness, he was able to graduate in 2007 with a Bachelors of Science in Computer Engineering. He is very passionate about the study of computers and math. After much struggle through college and beyond, with the help of his beautiful wife Cassandra and many others, the Captain is here today to bring you along on his quest for Beal's Treasure. Due to his familiarity with mental illness, the Captain pledges a portion of the prize to mental health research.