Theoretical computer science·OpenAI Math·Result 113·Lean formalisation listed
Approximate counting and entropy of perfect matchings
One of the 372 results in OpenAI's public mathematics catalogue, filed under theoretical computer science: 2 preprints, the latest dated 23 September 2026. This page quotes OpenAI's own summary of the claim, links the papers and abstracts, and embeds the animation.
Also known as FPRAS for perfect matchings in general graphs; perfect-matching entropy conjecture of Anari, Oveis Gharan and Vinzant; counting perfect matchings
In one line: OpenAI reports a result titled ‘Approximate counting and entropy of perfect matchings’ (theoretical computer science) in 2 preprints, the latest dated 23 September 2026. It has not been peer reviewed. The channel's animation, Counting Perfect Matchings: OpenAI Claims a Fast Approximation, is on YouTube.
What OpenAI claims
Gives a fully polynomial randomized approximation scheme for counting perfect matchings in arbitrary finite simple graphs, with exact detection of zero counts. Also proves the perfect-matching entropy conjecture of Anari, Oveis Gharan, and Vinzant, bounding the maximum entropy of a matching law at every feasible edge-marginal vector in a loopless labelled multigraph, including boundary points. (Lean)
Papers (2)
A Fully Polynomial Randomized Approximation Scheme for Perfect Matchings in General Graphs
OpenAI's abstract We give a fully polynomial randomized approximation scheme (FPRAS) for counting perfect matchings in arbitrary finite simple undirected graphs, resolving the general-graph perfect-matching approximation problem. The algorithm returns zero with certainty when no perfect matching exists. Otherwise, it achieves relative error ε with failure probability at most δ in worst-case bit time polynomial in the input length, ε -1, and log δ-1.
Entropy and Face Dimension of the Perfect-Matching Polytope
OpenAI's abstract We prove the perfect-matching entropy conjecture of Anari, Oveis Gharan, and Vinzant. For every feasible vector x of perfect-matching edge marginals in a loopless labelled multigraph on 2m ≥ 2 vertices, the maximum entropy H(x) of a matching law with marginals x satisfies
Status
Preprint. The papers have not been independently reviewed. Treat the result as OpenAI's claim until other mathematicians have checked it. If a video exists, it illustrates the statement; it is not the proof.
Quick answers
- Is it proven?
- Not independently yet. OpenAI posted 2 preprints, the latest dated 23 September 2026; it has not been peer reviewed, so treat the result as OpenAI's claim until other mathematicians have checked it.
- What exactly does OpenAI claim?
- Gives a fully polynomial randomized approximation scheme for counting perfect matchings in arbitrary finite simple graphs, with exact detection of zero counts. Also proves the perfect-matching entropy conjecture of Anari, Oveis Gharan, and Vinzant, bounding the maximum entropy of a matching law at every feasible edge-marginal vector in a loopless labelled multigraph, including boundary points. (Lean)
- Where is the proof?
- In the paper, A Fully Polynomial Randomized Approximation Scheme for Perfect Matchings in General Graphs (PDF).
- Is there a video?
- Yes, on YouTube (0:20).
Also in
- Chapter 10 of 84 in Every OpenAI Math Result, Part 4 of 4: L = BPL, Integer Multiplication and 82 More · starts at 3:08 · watch from there on YouTube →
- Chapter 8 of 9 in L = BPL, Matrix Multiplication Exponent, Integer Multiplication and 6 More · starts at 2:25 · watch from there on YouTube →
The video
Counting Perfect Matchings: OpenAI Claims a Fast Approximation · Short · 0:20 · description, sources and transcript →
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