Here is a Colorful Math Problem That Took Decades to Solve
Originally proposed in the 1850s, the Four Color Map Problem, was definitely not a question that you ever wanted to see come across your desk during an exam. In short, the problem requires the brave to find the minimum number of different colors required to color a map such that no two adjacent regions are of the same color.
If you are lost, do not worry, it was not until 1976, with the use of a computer, were mathematicians able to solve this problem. In one of his latest youtube videos, the master of math problems Numberphile breaks down how to simply solve the problems. However, mathematical fun does not end there.
In the appropriately, titled video “A Colorful Unsolved Problem”, the youtuber breaks down the math problem eloquently showcasing how to appropriately understand the math problem and what was needed to tackle the problem. In traditional Numberphile fashion, the narrator makes a previously unsolvable problem, so easy that you could do it and use it to show off to the uninitiated.
For the uninitiated, Numberphile is a large youtube channel comprising of great content for those who are curious about the world of math and simply want to revisit some of those problems that have stumped some of the greatest minds in history. Be sure to check their youtube channel for more fun.