Ramanujan Machine – Scientists developed a new concept 21/07/2019 – Posted in: Daily News

RAMANUJAN MACHINE

 

For: Mains

Topics Covered: New Concept – Ramanujan Machine, What does it do, Significance

 

News Flash

Scientists from Technion — Israel Institute of Technology have developed a concept they have named the Ramanujan Machine, after the Indian mathematician.

 

What is it?

  • It is not really a machine but an algorithm and performs a very unconventional function.
  • It exists as a network of computers running algorithms dedicated to finding conjectures about fundamental constants in the form of continued fractions.
  • The Ramanujan Machine proposed these conjecture formulas by matching numerical values, without providing proofs.

 

What does it do?

  • With most computer programs, humans input a problem and expect the algorithm to work out a solution. With the Ramanujan Machine, it works the other way round.
  • The purpose of the machine is to come up with conjectures (in the form of mathematical formulas) that humans can analyze and hopefully prove to be true mathematically.

 

Significance

  • Conjectures are a major step in the process of making new discoveries in any branch of science, particularly mathematics.
  • Equations defining the fundamental mathematical constants, including pi, are invariably elegant.
  • New conjectures in mathematics, however, have been scarce and sporadic.
  • The idea is to enhance and accelerate the process of discovery.

 

Where to find it

The researchers have set up a website, ramanujanmachine.com. Users can suggest proofs for algorithms or propose new algorithms, which will be named after them.

 

Srinivasa Ramanujan

  • 22 December 1887 – 26 April 1920
  • Srinivasa Ramanujan was an Indian mathematician who lived during the British Rule in India.
  • Contributions in mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions, including solutions to mathematical problems then considered unsolvable.
  • Ramanujan independently compiled nearly 3,900 results (mostly identities and equations).

 

Source: Indian Express

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