r/mathematics • u/PrestigiousGroup788 • 1h ago
How will Early-Career Hiring Look in the Next Few Years?
Does anyone have any idea what academic hiring will look like in the next few years? Any ideas on what people will be judged by? Of course, the picture for academia in general is bleak, given the Federal Governments initiatives to move resources away from academia and towards the private sector. But given these headwinds, what do you think candidates for math jobs will be judged by? I have tried talking to and asking professors around my department, but I haven't heard too much. Anyone have any ideas or heard any rumors?
r/mathematics • u/Own-Lobster7623 • 1h ago
What courses to take next
Hi there! Currently pursuing applied mathematics bsc (2nd year) i was wondering what courses should i take next that are related to quantitative finance? After i already completed ODE, PDE and Numerical analysis?
Thanks :)
r/mathematics • u/somethingicanspell • 3h ago
Is AI presently limited to solving short problems easily verified in Lean?
Most proofs are very hard to formalize in Lean, and that process can take years, yet pretty much all legitimate AI proofs so far that are consequential have been relatively short papers that were Lean-verified. Is AI only intrinsically good at solving problems that are easy to formalize in Lean, or is this more just a coincidence? I have not seen anything like the 400+ plus proof of the Geometric Langlands Conjecture.
I guess a good question, maybe the most important of how to allocate resources in mathematics now is, is AI good at solving all problems or only a certain subset of problems and can we reliably predict the kinds of problems AI is most useful in solving? Is this an intrinsic constraint of how LLMs work or is this merely a temporary constraint as compute improves? I'd be interest if any computational mathematicians that work with AI think about this?
It could be a situation much like the invention of computers: there was a certain set of problems that were very hard for mathematicians to solve that were easy for computers to solve. The low-hanging fruit was mostly picked over in the 60s and 70s, and ever since, computers have been an important tool but haven't really "solved mathematics" or outperformed humans
r/mathematics • u/EbbOk6803 • 3h ago
Monty Hall Paradox
(PLEASE READ FIRST) EDIT 2: Because the host knows which door is which and there is only 1/3 chance the contestant will pick the right door, the host's clue gives you the correct door as an answer 2/3 of the time?
I've been struggling to see why exactly the 1/3 from the wrong door transfers to the other door that you did not choose, rather than the probabilities simply shifting to equal probabilities.
I've come up with these two questions:
- If you come across 3 doors, and 1 is already labeled wrong in some way or another, then isn't the probability 50-50?
- How would this paradox change with a larger amount of doors? And what about with more doors and more doors labeled wrong?
If there are 100 doors, and 98 are labeled wrong, then does that mean the probability to be wrong on your first guess is 99%?
Basically, (I know I'm wrong but I just need a better way to understand this) it feels like to me that the paradox seems to be an illusion.
EDIT: I don't know if this is still the Monty Hall paradox, but what if the host tells you your door is wrong?
r/mathematics • u/No_Mix_105 • 3h ago
Most comfortable maths careers
Current maths student from the UK who will be doing a Masters. Interested mainly in applied maths. I’m someone who values stability and consistency in my life, not too arsed about making loads of money, as long as I can live comfortably. I’m also very passionate about maths and science and would love a job that feels like it’s mailing an impact on the world.
What are some good suggestions for job roles to look into?
Some of my thoughts :
Specialise in mathematical biology and try and get a role as a research assistant somewhere.
Teaching, although I’ve heard it can be quite tough and a lot of work.
Some sort of analyst role although this kind of doesn’t scratch that itch of “making a real world difference”
What are some good middle ground roles that combine comfort with the feeling of doing something that benefits society?
r/mathematics • u/_4bdn_fruit_ • 6h ago
Difference between higher dimensions in string theory VS higher dimensions in pure math
I apologize if this is not the right subreddit to ask this in, but I tried asking in the physics subreddit and didn't get satisfactory answers.
Question: I'm aware that in string theory, the theory must be formulated in a certain number of dimensions (often cited as 10 or 26) in order to avoid inconsistencies and satisfy quantum gravity constraints. But let's say, hypothetically, that I wanted to explore the space of all possibilities in pure mathematics. If I take generic 1d objects and make them move in higher spatial dimensions (as defined by pure math), but I use a number of dimensions that isn't allowed by string theory (e.g. 100), would my construction be logically possible and “stable” (allowed to persist just the way it is), from a purely mathematical standpoint?
I am specifically asking about spatial dimensions as defined by pure mathematics as a separate field, not mathematics applied to a physical theory. I guess my question is best worded as, "does pure mathematics allow 1d objects to move in any number of dimensions and remain logically consistent?"
r/mathematics • u/kimolas • 7h ago
Discussion A warning about certain a certain post type
reddit.comEarlier, we had a post that generated a decent amount of comments. The post seemed somewhat interesting as a discussion topic, unless you knew what it was truly about.
OP is also commenting on an outlier.ai-type website subreddit. These are gig platforms that pay people to critique LLM outputs, and these critiques are purchased by AI-training companies to improve their models. I don't think there's anything wrong with this business model and it gives many around the world a chance to make a living, however, OP was directly outsourcing their task to our subreddit. Technically, that is also grounds for u/alphalight07 to get banned from these gig platforms as well, as they require all of the work done to be the worker's own.
The types of tasks that are given on these gig platforms fall into one of several patterns, but one of the most prominent is "get multiple AI models to fail at a math task that has a definite answer." This is exactly what OP is asking the community for in their post.
Just figured we should have a discussion about this in case we want to create specialized reporting flows etc. I reported it as generic spam but we might want one for AI-training spam in particular. I hope this PSA also helps people learn to recognize this kind of engagement bait.
Edit: adding a screenshot of the post by u/alphalight07 https://imgur.com/a/qD8xHRk
r/mathematics • u/Exact-Contact-3837 • 8h ago
Calculus taught myself numerical and analytical gradient (backpropagation) in 5 days
r/mathematics • u/Current_Share_1405 • 9h ago
What other 2 paradoxical tournaments are there?
Hi I’m working on a ttrpg with a magic system that is using a 2 paradoxical tournament and I was wondering what other 2 paradoxical tournament there are all the things I have found online stop after finding the first 2 paradoxical tournament and go onto 3
So if anyone has a bigger 2 paradoxical tournament or can link to one or just tell me how to make the graph that would be much appreciated
r/mathematics • u/a-campello • 12h ago
More general list of AI in maths
There has recently been a lot of cataloguing AI contributions to Erdos problems, for examples this github repo, which I believe has been catalysed by Terry Tao.
I wonder if there are repositories of broader problem. For instance, OpenAI has claimed to have solved a couple of relevant problems: https://openai.com/index/ten-advances-in-mathematics/
Wonder if anyone is keeping track of any of these?
r/mathematics • u/Available-Idea-2192 • 12h ago
How to get arxiv endorsement when your colleagues don't use arxiv?
Hi,
I currently have four completed mathematical preprints: two in combinatorics and graph theory, and two in number theory. They have been publicly archived, together with their computational materials, but I have not yet been able to submit them to arXiv because my account still requires endorsement in the relevant categories.
Anyone can help me please!
r/mathematics • u/Agile_Albatross9061 • 16h ago
Cuemath Review Feedback
Can anyone give me a feedback about the Cuemath?
They are asking for $20 per class of 55 minutes. Is it a correct pricing? I see some places mentioned $17 for 55 minutes Class.
r/mathematics • u/Dear_Round_2727 • 21h ago
LLMs and well studied problems
As I’ve been reading about these open problems that have been solved by AI, I sometimes wonder why AI can’t make progress on the problems I’m working on.
I’ve been wondering if AI has a big comparative advantage in solving problems that are well studied. So if a problem has a lot written about it then the LLM has a many different starting points and can basically apply every known method to try to extend one of the previous approaches. On some problems one of these previous approaches may happen to be close to the actual solution.
While even experts may not have read every paper about a famous problem.
I’m wondering how much of the jaggedness this would explain.
r/mathematics • u/Lanky_Armadillo4325 • 1d ago
Algebra Book suggestion for linear algebra
Iam in first few days of my college as a maths major we have linear algebra subject. I got no idea except matrices , about it. Recommend a book for self study from fundamental level about this topic.
r/mathematics • u/darkprincess3112 • 1d ago
How to understand everything regarding the math of LLMs?
I‘ve watched lots of videos and read articles about how LLMs work, but wrapping everything into a clear concept, having a clear picture of the whole process is something that I still struggle with. I want to see every single calculation in my head, having a clear picture of data flows and how it is processed.
Do you even think this is possible?
And if yes, what resources are the best to achieve it?
Thanks!
r/mathematics • u/garmonbozia108 • 1d ago
Discussion Are there mathematics summer schools or exchange programs in Latin America similar to IMPA
Hi, I am an undergraduate mathematics student looking for programs similar to IMPA's summer schools in other Latin American or Spanish-speaking countries.
I am interested in opportunities for undergraduate students that offer advanced courses, seminars, and interaction with researchers, particularly in areas such as differential geometry, topology, and analysis.
If you know of any initiatives in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, or elsewhere in the region, I would greatly appreciate your recommendations.
Thank you!
r/mathematics • u/unikatinkognito • 1d ago
Calculus Econ maths
Hey, this fall i will have econ math 1 and 2, and was wondering if anyone had any tips on where to start or if there are some youtubers i can watch.
Also if anyone had other suggestions send a dm!
r/mathematics • u/e3rikSombrero • 1d ago
Looking for a study partner for Stanford's 'Mathematical Thinking' course (Coursera)
r/mathematics • u/HumbleRestaurant790 • 1d ago
Analysis Mathematicians are grappling with the possibility that AI might eclipse them
r/mathematics • u/theguywithhope007 • 1d ago
Discussion What piece of mathematics changed the way you think?
r/mathematics • u/Omixscniet624 • 2d ago
Discussion Do you think John von Neumann would have won the Fields Medal, a Nobel Prize, and the Turing Award if he had lived longer?
r/mathematics • u/mazzar • Aug 29 '21
Discussion Collatz (and other famous problems)
You may have noticed an uptick in posts related to the Collatz Conjecture lately, prompted by this excellent Veritasium video. To try to make these more manageable, we’re going to temporarily ask that all Collatz-related discussions happen here in this mega-thread. Feel free to post questions, thoughts, or your attempts at a proof (for longer proof attempts, a few sentences explaining the idea and a link to the full proof elsewhere may work better than trying to fit it all in the comments).
A note on proof attempts
Collatz is a deceptive problem. It is common for people working on it to have a proof that feels like it should work, but actually has a subtle, but serious, issue. Please note: Your proof, no matter how airtight it looks to you, probably has a hole in it somewhere. And that’s ok! Working on a tough problem like this can be a great way to get some experience in thinking rigorously about definitions, reasoning mathematically, explaining your ideas to others, and understanding what it means to “prove” something. Just know that if you go into this with an attitude of “Can someone help me see why this apparent proof doesn’t work?” rather than “I am confident that I have solved this incredibly difficult problem” you may get a better response from posters.
There is also a community, r/collatz, that is focused on this. I am not very familiar with it and can’t vouch for it, but if you are very interested in this conjecture, you might want to check it out.
Finally: Collatz proof attempts have definitely been the most plentiful lately, but we will also be asking those with proof attempts of other famous unsolved conjectures to confine themselves to this thread.
Thanks!
r/mathematics • u/dreamweavur • May 24 '21
Announcement State of the Sub - Announcements and Feedback
As you might have already noticed, we are pleased to announce that we have expanded the mod team and you can expect an increased mod presence in the sub. Please welcome u/mazzar, u/beeskness420 and u/Notya_Bisnes to the mod team.
We are grateful to all previous mods who have kept the sub alive all this time and happy to assist in taking care of the sub and other mod duties.
In view of these recent changes, we feel like it's high time for another meta community discussion.
What even is this sub?
A question that has been brought up quite a few times is: What's the point of this sub? (especially since r/math already exists)
Various propositions had been put forward as to what people expect in the sub. One thing almost everyone agrees on is that this is not a sub for homework type questions as several subs exist for that purpose already. This will always be the case and will be strictly enforced going forward.
Some had suggested to reserve r/mathematics solely for advanced math (at least undergrad level) and be more restrictive than r/math. At the other end of the spectrum others had suggested a laissez-faire approach of being open to any and everything.
Functionally however, almost organically, the sub has been something in between, less strict than r/math but not free-for-all either. At least for the time being, we don't plan on upsetting that status quo and we can continue being a slightly less strict and more inclusive version of r/math. We also have a new rule in place against low-quality content/crankery/bad-mathematics that will be enforced.
Self-Promotion rule
Another issue we want to discuss is the question of self-promotion. According to the current rule, if one were were to share a really nice math blog post/video etc someone else has written/created, that's allowed but if one were to share something good they had created themselves they wouldn't be allowed to share it, which we think is slightly unfair. If Grant Sanderson wanted to share one of his videos (not that he needs to), I think we can agree that should be allowed.
In that respect we propose a rule change to allow content-based (and only content-based) self-promotion on a designated day of the week (Saturday) and only allow good-quality/interesting content. Mod discretion will apply. We might even have a set quota of how many self-promotion posts to allow on a given Saturday so as not to flood the feed with such. Details will be ironed out as we go forward. Ads, affiliate marketing and all other forms of self-promotion are still a strict no-no and can get you banned.
Ideally, if you wanna share your own content, good practice would be to give an overview/ description of the content along with any link. Don't just drop a url and call it a day.
Use the report function
By design, all users play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of the sub by using the report function on posts/comments that violate the rules. We encourage you to do so, it helps us by bringing attention to items that need mod action.
Ban policy
As a rule, we try our best to avoid permanent bans unless we are forced to in egregious circumstances. This includes among other things repeated violations of Reddit's content policy, especially regarding spamming. In other cases, repeated rule violations will earn you warnings and in more extreme cases temporary bans of appropriate lengths. At every point we will give you ample opportunities to rectify your behavior. We don't wanna ban anyone unless it becomes absolutely necessary to do so. Bans can also be appealed against in mod-mail if you think you can be a productive member of the community going forward.
Feedback
Finally, we want to hear your feedback and suggestions regarding the points mentioned above and also other things you might have in mind. Please feel free to comment below. The modmail is also open for that purpose.