OpenAI makes breakthrough on 80-year-old maths problem
OpenAI has announced a significant advancement in AI reasoning by addressing an 80-year-old mathematical problem posed by Paul Erdős. While the AI's findings have excited mathematicians, the broader problem remains unsolved as it did not provide a new answer to the original question. The work has been validated by mathematicians and highlights the collaborative potential of AI and human researchers in tackling complex problems.
- ▪OpenAI's model tackled the planar unit distance problem first posed by Paul Erdős in 1946.
- ▪The AI discovered a new family of arrangements that challenge Erdős's original conjecture.
- ▪Mathematicians have validated OpenAI's findings, emphasizing the importance of human involvement in refining the AI's results.
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The work has excited mathematicians, however, broader problem remains unsolved because the AI did not come up with a new answer. Photograph: Dado Ruvić/ReutersView image in fullscreenThe work has excited mathematicians, however, broader problem remains unsolved because the AI did not come up with a new answer. Photograph: Dado Ruvić/ReutersOpenAIOpenAI makes breakthrough on 80-year-old maths problemCompany says work on Paul Erdős planar unit distance problem shows advance in AI reasoningDan Milmo and Ian SampleThu 21 May 2026 12.24 EDTLast modified on Thu 21 May 2026 12.27 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleOpenAI has claimed a further advance in AI reasoning after its technology successfully tackled an 80-year-old maths problem.The company behind ChatGPT said it had made a breakthrough…
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