The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology has introduced a unique concept called the ‘Ramanujan machine’ in honor of distinguished Indian mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan. Contrary to what its name suggests, the Ramanujan machine is not physically tangible but is rather a network of computers employing specific algorithms to identify conjectures about fundamental constants via continued fractions. The ultimate goal of these computers is to generate conjectures that humans can subsequently inspect and hopefully verify mathematically.
Reversing the Traditional Process in Mathematics
In a truly innovative move, the Ramanujan machine takes a different approach compared to the traditional computational methods. Conventionally, individuals supply the input while the algorithm determines the solution. This unique machine, however, flips this process: when fed a constant such as π, it generates a series which results in the original constant, π.
This groundbreaking method provides a new avenue for generating mathematical conjectures, statements that have not yet been proven. The generation of new conjectures has historically been inconsistent and infrequent in mathematics. The creators of the Ramanujan machine hope that this invention will motivate future mathematicians to explore new horizons.
About Srinivasa Ramanujan
Srinivasa Ramanujan, the inspiration behind the machine, was born on December 22, 1887 in Erode, a village located 400 km from Chennai, then known as Madras. His passion for mathematics was evident from an early age. In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the field, December 22nd is celebrated as National Mathematics Day in India.
In 1913, prominent British mathematician Godfrey Harold Hardy noticed Ramanujan’s talent. This fateful discovery marked a pivotal turning point in his life. Invited by Hardy, Ramanujan traveled to Cambridge where he greatly influenced the analytical theory of numbers, elliptic functions, and the partition of whole numbers. He also extensively researched the hypo geometric series and Euler’s constant.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 22nd December 1887 | Birth of Srinivasa Ramanujan |
| 1913 | Discovered by Godfrey Harold Hardy |
| 1918 | Elected to the Royal Society of London |
| 26th April 1920 | Death of Srinivasa Ramanujan |
Ramanujan’s Legacy and Recognition
Ramanujan’s work was published in various English and European journals, and in 1918 he was elected to the prestigious Royal Society of London. Despite his untimely demise at a young age of 32 on April 26, 1920, shortly after returning to India due to prolonged illness, his substantial contributions to the field of mathematics continue to inspire generation after generation. The ‘Ramanujan machine’, named after him, stands as a testament to his enduring influence in the world of mathematics.
