ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Modularity theorem

Okay kiddo, listen up! You know how sometimes when we build something like a Lego tower or a puzzle, we can break it apart into smaller parts and put it together in a different way? That's called modularity!

Well, mathematicians also like to play with building blocks, but instead of Legos, they use numbers. And just like with Legos, they can break those numbers down into smaller parts and then put them together in a different way.

The modularity theorem is a really cool rule that mathematicians have discovered when playing with these number building blocks. It basically says that numbers that look really different on their own, can actually be broken down into really small and similar parts.

This helps mathematicians solve really tricky math problems, kind of like having a secret code to unlock the solution. The modularity theorem has helped solve a lot of important problems in math, which is why mathematicians love it so much!