Anime fans stumbled upon a mathematical proof (scientificamerican.com)

Article summary

An anonymous 4chan user posted a solution to a mathematical problem related to superpermutations, which was later recognized and built upon by mathematicians. The problem involves finding the minimum number of episodes to watch in order to see an entire series in every possible order. This solution was related to a 25-year-old math puzzle and has implications for understanding superpermutations. The discovery highlights the potential for hidden knowledge and solutions to be found in unexpected places on the internet.

Main themes

• Mathematical discoveries
• Superpermutations
• Internet communities
• Science communication
• Hidden knowledge

What commenters say

• The article's presentation of the mathematical problem and its solution is clear and engaging, making it accessible to a broad audience.
• The discovery of the solution on 4chan highlights the importance of exploring unconventional sources of knowledge and expertise.
• The problem of superpermutations has significant implications for understanding complex mathematical concepts and their applications.
• The internet has both enabled the dissemination of knowledge and created challenges for curating and evaluating the quality of information.
• Some argue that the shift in editorial direction of Scientific American has led to a decline in the quality and depth of its content.
• Others believe that the magazine still provides valuable and interesting articles, despite changes in its focus and tone.
• The existence of hidden gems of knowledge on the internet can be both a benefit and a drawback, as it incentivizes exploration but also makes discovery more difficult.
• The evaluation of online sources and the recognition of significant discoveries can be hindered by the lack of traditional academic credentials or publication channels.