Tarski's High School Algebra Problem

In mathematical logic, Tarski's high school algebra problem was a question posed by Alfred Tarski. It asks whether there are identities involving addition, multiplication, and exponentiation over the positive integers that cannot be proved using eleven axioms about these operations that are taught in high school-level mathematics. The question was solved in 1980 by Alex Wilkie who showed that such unprovable identities do exist.

Read more about Tarski's High School Algebra Problem:  Statement of The Problem, Example of A Provable Identity, History of The Problem, Solution, Generalisations

Famous quotes containing the words high, school, algebra and/or problem:

    A man is free to go up as high as he can reach up to; but I, with all my style and pep, can’t get a man my equal because a girl is always judged by her mother.
    Anzia Yezierska (c. 1881–1970)

    In the first place God made idiots. This was for practice. Then He made School Boards.
    Mark Twain [Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835–1910)

    Poetry has become the higher algebra of metaphors.
    José Ortega Y Gasset (1883–1955)

    If we parents accept that problems are an essential part of life’s challenges, rather than reacting to every problem as if something has gone wrong with universe that’s supposed to be perfect, we can demonstrate serenity and confidence in problem solving for our kids....By telling them that we know they have a problem and we know they can solve it, we can pass on a realistic attitude as well as empower our children with self-confidence and a sense of their own worth.
    Barbara Coloroso (20th century)