AI assists mathematicians in solving long-standing research problems

Researchers Dániel Varga and Ákos Dúcz from the HUN-REN Rényi Alfréd Mathematical Research Institute have successfully answered a long-standing mathematical question posed by Paul Erdős. They proved the existence of a finite set of points on a plane where any chosen quarter of the points contains at least two points at a unit distance from each other.

While the researchers utilized artificial intelligence as a tool to write software and accelerate the testing of ideas, they noted that the AI did not provide creative input. Instead, it served to speed up the research process and provided surprising computational results that aided the solution.

In a broader societal context, discussions at the Kolozsvár Hungarian Days highlighted the evolving role of AI in daily life, education, and professional workflows. Experts emphasized that the primary risk is not the technology itself, but the failure to learn how to use it effectively. The consensus among speakers was that as AI takes over repetitive tasks, human critical thinking, decision-making, and oversight will become increasingly vital for future success in the workforce and education.