Introduction
Mathematics is often described as the poetry of logical ideas, and few problems capture this spirit as elegantly as (sqrt(2)-1)^12. This intriguing expression recently went viral as part of a reputed Harvard interview question, challenging even the most seasoned problem-solvers. In this blog post, we’ll explore the logic behind the solution, revealing the surprising simplicity hidden within this seemingly complex problem.
Understanding the Problem
The expression involves a fractional power of 2, the square root of 2. While it might seem daunting at first glance, the problem rewards those who approach it with a mix of curiosity and mathematical insight.