Mathematicians have made a breakthrough in one of the thorniest math problems out there — only the third major step forward in 75 years.
The problem involves Ramsey numbers, a deceptively simple concept that is quite slippery, mathematically. A Ramsey number is the minimum size of a group needed to ensure that a certain number of nodes in that group are connected to one another. The most common metaphor is that of a party: How many people do you need to invite to a soiree to ensure that there will be either a group of three that will know each other or a group of three that are complete strangers?
