1.
The Riemann Hypothesis
Problem Summary:
Does every nontrivial zero of the Riemann zeta function have real part 1221?
This is deeply connected to the distribution of prime numbers and underpins
many results in analytic number theory.
How to Approach:
Learn the basics of complex analysis and the properties of the zeta
function.
Study explicit formulas relating zeros to the distribution of primes.
Examine connections to Random Matrix Theory and study past progress
made using both analytic and computational techniques.
Review summary and sources:
Wikipedia: Riemann Hypothesis
Millennium Prize Problems
2. P vs NP Problem
Problem Summary:
Is every problem whose solution can be quickly verified by a computer also
quickly solvable by a computer? The P vs NP question frames the limits of what
can be efficiently computed.
How to Approach:
Study definitions of P, NP, and NP-completeness from computational
complexity theory.
Research various proof attempts, including reductions, diagonalization,
and circuit complexity.
Explore existing algorithms for NP-complete problems to understand why
they resist efficient solutions.
For more context, see:
Wikipedia: P versus NP problem
Clay Institute: P vs NP
3. Fermat’s Last Theorem
Problem Summary:
No three positive integers a,b,ca,b,c satisfy an+bn=cnan+bn=cn for n>2n>2.
This theorem was conjectured by Pierre de Fermat in 1637 and stood unsolved
until 1994.
How to Approach:
Understand elementary number theory foundations, especially properties
of exponents and modular arithmetic.
Review modern proof techniques, particularly those involving elliptic
curves and modular forms, as used by Andrew Wiles in the proof.
See the historical context and more on the solution:
Wikipedia: Fermat's Last Theorem
University of Bergen - Classical Problems
4. Goldbach’s Conjecture
Problem Summary:
Every even integer greater than 2 is the sum of two prime numbers. Despite
computational evidence for its truth, no general proof is known.
How to Approach:
Study the basics of number theory with special focus on primes and
additive properties.
Review attempts using the circle method and sieve methods from analytic
number theory.
Even after centuries, new computational verifications and partial results
continue to appear.
Further information:
Wikipedia: Goldbach Conjecture
Popular Mechanics: Hard Math Problems