There are many famous unsolved math problems, some of which have been designated as "Millennium Prize Problems" by the Clay Mathematics Institute. These problems are considered some of the most important open questions in mathematics, and solving any one of them comes with a prize of $1 million.
Here are the seven Millennium Prize Problems:
1. Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer Conjecture: This conjecture relates to elliptic curves, which are mathematical objects with applications in cryptography and number theory. The conjecture provides a way to determine the rational solutions of these curves.
2. Hodge Conjecture: This conjecture deals with algebraic geometry and topology, specifically the relationship between the topology of algebraic varieties and their algebraic structure.
3. Navier-Stokes Existence and Smoothness: The Navier-Stokes equations describe the behavior of fluids, such as air and water. This problem asks whether smooth, physically reasonable solutions exist for these equations in three dimensions and under all possible initial conditions.
4. P vs NP Problem: This is a central question in computer science and concerns the relative difficulty of solving problems and verifying their solutions. The question asks whether problems whose solutions can be verified quickly (in polynomial time) can also be solved quickly.
5. Poincaré Conjecture (Solved): This conjecture was proven true by Grigori Perelman in 2003. It is a statement about the topology of three-dimensional spaces and states that every simply connected, closed 3-manifold is homeomorphic to the 3-sphere.
6. Riemann Hypothesis: This hypothesis is related to the distribution of prime numbers and the behavior of the Riemann zeta function. It has significant implications in number theory and has been partially verified for many cases, but a general proof remains elusive.
7. Yang-Mills Existence and Mass Gap: This problem is about the mathematical foundations of quantum field theory, specifically the behavior of Yang-Mills fields. It asks whether a quantum Yang-Mills theory with a mass gap exists, meaning that there is a minimum energy required to create particles in the field.
Aside from these Millennium Prize Problems, there are many other significant unsolved problems in mathematics, such as the Goldbach Conjecture, the Twin Prime Conjecture, and the Collatz Conjecture. These problems, too, have resisted resolution despite the efforts of mathematicians over the years.