July 3rd, 2024

The Biggest Problem in Mathematics Is Finally a Step Closer to Being Solved

Mathematicians Larry Guth and James Maynard made progress on the Riemann Hypothesis, a key problem in prime number distribution. Their work offers insights and techniques for potential breakthroughs in mathematics.

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The Biggest Problem in Mathematics Is Finally a Step Closer to Being Solved

The Riemann Hypothesis, a fundamental problem in mathematics concerning the distribution of prime numbers, has been a challenge for over 160 years. Recently, mathematicians Larry Guth and James Maynard made significant progress by improving a result that had been stagnant for more than 50 years. Their work aims to reduce the number of zeros of the Riemann zeta function outside the critical strip, a key aspect of the hypothesis. While not solving the conjecture, their findings offer new insights and techniques that could potentially lead to a breakthrough in understanding prime number distribution. The Riemann Hypothesis, proposed by Bernhard Riemann in 1859, is crucial for number theory and has implications across various mathematical fields. By addressing the distribution of prime numbers, this hypothesis could provide mathematicians with a comprehensive framework akin to a "periodic table of numbers," impacting numerous theorems and mathematical concepts.

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By @jjtheblunt - 4 months
I didn't know problems in mathematics were subject to some lattice giving a definition of "biggest".

Hilbert posed several nifty problems over 100 years ago, including pithy cool ones not unlike Riemann's zeroes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilbert%27s_problems

[ edited for my own typos ]

By @miguelbe - 4 months
If people are interested, this is probably the best explanation of the Riemann Hypothesis I’ve seen: https://youtu.be/zlm1aajH6gY?si=d3dbimf2Y7wTe8GP
By @Madmallard - 4 months
Isn't P=NP more interesting?
By @bryan0 - 4 months
By @miika - 4 months
What about this?

Accurate and Infinite Prime Prediction from Novel Quasi-Prime Analytical Methodology

https://arxiv.org/abs/1903.08570

By @freilanzer - 4 months
Based on the title I had hoped someone made progress in the Collatz conjecture.
By @tocs3 - 4 months
Where do people look for non paywall links
By @__lbracket__ - 4 months
The exponent was reduced from 0.60 to 0.52. The bar for getting excited has dropped so much ...