Short··0:20·Real and complex analysis

Erdős Similarity Conjecture: OpenAI Claims the Geometric Case

Short · 0:20 · 12 October 2026Watch on YouTube →

Watch on YouTubeAbout the problem →

About this video

Erdős asked whether every infinite set of reals can be dodged by some set of positive measure: a set containing no shrunk, shifted or flipped copy of the pattern. For geometric sequences 1, q, q², … OpenAI claims a proof: for every ratio q between 0 and 1 there is a compact set filling as much of [0, 1] as you like that contains no affine copy of {qⁿ}, for either sign of dilation (the set may depend on q). These are OpenAI's preprints, not yet peer reviewed.

Papers (OpenAI, catalogue result 084):
- The geometric case of the Erdős similarity conjecture: github.com/openai/math/blob/main/preprints/The-geometric-case…
- The dyadic case of the Erdős similarity conjecture: github.com/openai/math/blob/main/preprints/The-dyadic-case-of…

The animation illustrates the result; it is not a proof.

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Every result explained: gradientdamage.com/p/084

About the problem

Real and complex analysis·OpenAI Math·Result 084

The geometric case of the Erdős similarity conjecture

For every fixed q ∈ (0,1), constructs compact subsets of [0,1] with measure arbitrarily close to one containing no translated and nontrivially dilated copy of {qn:n ≥ 1}, with dilations of either sign. This resolves the geometric-progression case of the Erdős similarity conjecture for every ratio. (Lean)

OpenAI, in its public catalogue of maths results · preprint, not peer reviewed

The papers and the claim →

Topics

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