Amateur Solver Breaks Decade-Long Math Puzzle with AI Assistance

Liam Price, a 23-year-old without advanced mathematics training, has made headlines by solving a 60-year-old math problem using ChatGPT Pro. The achievement is particularly notable given that the problem had stumped world-class mathematicians for decades. Price posed a single prompt to GPT-5.4 Pro and received a solution that he subsequently shared on www.erdosproblems.com, a dedicated website for tackling conjectures left by the renowned mathematician Paul Erdős.

The problem solved by Price has historically defied prominent mathematical minds, adding to its prestige. What sets this achievement apart is the AI's apparent use of a completely new and innovative method for addressing such problems—a departure from conventional approaches. This development could have broader implications for artificial intelligence's role in mathematics, as experts suggest that the AI's solution may offer insights applicable to other complex challenges.

While AI has recently shown success in solving various Erdős problems, these efforts have often been criticized for lacking originality or significance. However, Price's achievement marks a potential turning point, demonstrating that large language models like ChatGPT could contribute novel solutions to long-standing mathematical puzzles. As experts continue to evaluate the implications of this breakthrough, it raises questions about AI's future contributions to fields like mathematics and beyond.