Short··0:20·Theoretical computer science

Gotsman–Linial Conjecture: OpenAI Claims Sensitivity ≤ 8d√n

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

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About this video

Cut the n-dimensional Boolean cube with the sign of a degree-d polynomial: how many of the n one-bit flips change the answer, on average? Gotsman and Linial conjectured in 1994 that low-degree polynomial threshold functions can only be sensitive to about d√n bits, far fewer than parity's n. OpenAI claims a proof that the average sensitivity is at most 8d√n for every n ≥ 1 and 1 ≤ d ≤ n, the asymptotic form of the Gotsman–Linial conjecture; this is OpenAI's preprint, not yet peer reviewed. The cube shown is the real 8-cube with real polynomials, and every flip count shown is computed exactly.

Paper (OpenAI, catalogue result 127):
- Average sensitivity of polynomial threshold functions: github.com/openai/math/blob/main/preprints/Average-Sensitivit…

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

Gradient Damage: mathematics you can see, equations you can hear.
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Every result explained: gradientdamage.com/p/127

About the problem

Theoretical computer science·OpenAI Math·Result 127

Average sensitivity of polynomial threshold functions

Proves that a degree-at-most-d polynomial threshold function on the uniform n-dimensional Boolean cube has average sensitivity at most 8d√n, uniformly for 1 ≤ d ≤ n. Average sensitivity counts expected output changes under single-bit flips. This establishes the asymptotic Gotsman–Linial conjecture, allowing polynomial zeros with sign (0)=1. (Lean)

OpenAI, in its public catalogue of maths results · preprint, not peer reviewed

The papers and the claim →

Topics

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