Back in 1995, The Simpsons aired its annual Halloween episode.  This episode was particularly unique because it featured Homer leaving his two-dimensional animated world and venturing into a 3D world (the episode won an Emmy). 

As Hopmer crossed over the dimensional plane, he marvelled as a bunch of mathematical equations and geometric shapes floated by him.  One of those equations was a seemingly random one: 178212 + 184112 = 192212.

But the equation has caught the attention of Simpson fans and amateur mathematicians, because, if it was correct, it seemed to disprove Fermat’s theorum, which had been "proved" only months before the Simpson episode aired. 

It wasn’t the only time it happened.  Three years later, the following equation appeared on Homer’s blackboard as he was working in his basement: 398712 + 436512 = 447212.  This appaers to be yet another example of a "disproof" of the solution to Fermat’s equation.

So, what’s going on?  Were the Simpson animators, known for the subtle inclusions of obscure references, tweaking the mathematical community?  And if so, why?  Read more.