OpenAI’s internal artificial intelligence model has solved a mathematical problem that had remained open for nearly 80 years.

Axar.az reports, citing Live Science, the breakthrough involves a long-standing problem in combinatorics, a branch of mathematics focused on patterns and arrangements.

According to reports, the AI-generated solution was independently reviewed by professional mathematicians, who concluded that the proof appears to be correct.

Researchers said the model explored multiple possible approaches before producing a novel line of reasoning that had not previously been identified by human mathematicians. The result has been described as a rare example of AI contributing to original mathematical discovery rather than simply analysing existing knowledge.

While the system produced the proof, human mathematicians played a key role in verifying the logic and refining the final argument, underscoring the continued importance of expert oversight in complex mathematical work.

The development is being viewed as an early indication that advanced AI systems could increasingly assist in frontier research across mathematics and other scientific fields, including physics, chemistry, and computer science. However, experts caution that such systems remain tools for collaboration rather than replacements for human researchers.