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Meta AI tackles maths problems that stumped humans for over a century

A type of mathematical problem that was previously impossible to solve can now be successfully analysed with artificial intelligence

By Chris Stokel-Walker

22 October 2024

Meta says its AI could help mathematicians

Tada Images/Shutterstock

An AI system developed by Meta can find solutions to maths problems that have eluded mathematicians for over a century, researchers at the firm claim.

The problems involve mathematical tools called Lyapunov functions, named after mathematician Aleksandr Lyapunov, which analyse whether a system will remain stable over time, meaning its behaviour can be predicted. One famous example of such a system is the motion of three celestial bodies as a result of their mutual gravitational interactions – describing the behaviour of this “three-body problem” is extremely challenging.

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