ChatGPT 5.5 Pro solves open math problem, raising questions about AI's role in mathematical research
By
Vincent Conitzer
Toasted golden, schmeared with insight. Top of the rack.
Summary
The article discusses how ChatGPT 5.5 Pro successfully solved one of the author's open mathematical problems, with colleague Ryan O'Donnell prompting the AI to try proving NP-hardness. While this represents an AI success in mathematics, the author expresses concerns about humans being taken out of the loop in mathematical research, noting that something is still left to be desired despite the breakthrough.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledRyan is an amazing theoretical computer scientist, but doesn't work in the specific area of this problem.
He did suggest to ChatGPT to try to prove NP-hardness (a standard concept in computer science that was one of the two ways likely to resolve the problem) first, because he felt it's likely
something is left to be desired and I think there are real concerns about humans going out of the loop on mathematics (and more).
You might also wanna read
OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT 5 with PhD-Level Expertise
OpenAI has released ChatGPT 5, the latest version of its AI chatbot, which is claimed to offer PhD-level expertise in areas like coding and
kieranhealy.org·10mo ago
Amateur uses ChatGPT to solve 60-year-old unsolved math problem
A 23-year-old amateur named Liam Price used ChatGPT Pro to solve a 60-year-old unsolved math problem (a conjecture) that professional mathem
scientificamerican.com·1mo ago
OpenAI Researcher's GPT-5 Math Breakthrough Claim Retracted After Community Criticism
An OpenAI researcher claimed on X that GPT-5 had solved 10 previously unsolved Erdős mathematical problems and made progress on 11 more, but
the-decoder.com·7mo ago
ChatGPT Launches Interactive Learning with Visual Explanations for Math and Science
ChatGPT introduces Interactive Learning feature that provides dynamic visual explanations for math and science concepts like Pythagorean the
Product Hunt·3mo ago
OpenAI Releases GPT-5 for All ChatGPT Users, Marking a Major AI Advancement
OpenAI is launching GPT-5, its latest AI model, for all ChatGPT users and developers. CEO Sam Altman describes GPT-5 as a significant advanc
The Verge·10mo ago
OpenAI Launches GPT-5: The Most Advanced AI Model Yet
OpenAI has introduced GPT-5, its latest and most advanced AI model, offering enhanced capabilities across various domains such as math, scie
openai.com·10mo ago