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An error in a proof that is fundamental to a widely used branch of modern mathematics was accidentally discovered by a mathematician while translating an old proof into a computer language. The mistake was quickly corrected, but mathematicians say the episode highlights the importance of making mathematics computer-readable to capture other possible examples.
Most modern mathematics is contained in research papers and textbooks, and relies on mathematicians checking each other’s work to ensure it is correct. Proofs are inherently social constructs – if enough mathematicians are satisfied that the logical steps of the proof are…
Source: www.newscientist.com
