Construction of Regular 65,537-Gon
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Theorem
It is possible to construct a regular polygon with $65 \, 537$ sides) using a compass and straightedge construction.
Proof
From Construction of Regular Prime $p$-Gon Exists iff $p$ is Fermat Prime it is known that this construction is possible.
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Historical Note
It was proved by Carl Friedrich Gauss in $1801$ that the construction is possible.
The first actual construction of a regular $65,537$-gon was attempted by Johann Gustav Hermes, who calculated the $384$ required quadratic equations in $1894$ after a decade of work. However, it has been suggested that there are mistakes in his work.
Sources
- 1986: David Wells: Curious and Interesting Numbers ... (previous) ... (next): $65,537$
- 1997: David Wells: Curious and Interesting Numbers (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): $65,537$