computer-assisted proofs
Computer-assisted proofs are mathematical proofs that utilize computer algorithms and software to verify the correctness of a theorem. These proofs often involve complex calculations or large data sets that are impractical for humans to handle manually. By leveraging computational power, mathematicians can explore and confirm results that would otherwise be too difficult to prove by traditional means.
One notable example of a computer-assisted proof is the Four Color Theorem, which states that any map can be colored using no more than four colors without adjacent regions sharing the same color. This theorem was proven in 1976 using a computer to check numerous cases, demonstrating the potential of computers in advancing mathematical knowledge.