AI and human insights work together to decode prime number mysteries

Developments in number theory in the last two weeks illustrate how artificial intelligence is helping advance the frontiers of mathematics, but also raising questions about what mathematics means vis-à-vis humans.

The first development is about the Riemann zeta function, a mathematical idea connected to the distribution of prime numbers.

While AI models did not replace a mathematician in either development, mathematicians have remarked on their ability to find new arguments in the pursuit of cracking old problems.

Deciding which mathematical problems are worth attacking remains the preserve of humans.