What is the toughest maths question in the world?

Asked by: Prof. Angus Schroeder  |  Last update: March 1, 2026
Score: 5/5 (18 votes)

There isn't one single "hardest" math question, but the most famous and significant unsolved problem is the Riemann Hypothesis, concerning prime number distribution, offering a $1 million prize for its solution. Other contenders include the Navier-Stokes existence and smoothness, P vs NP, and the Hodge Conjecture, all part of the Clay Mathematics Institute's Millennium Prize Problems, alongside simpler-sounding but notoriously tricky ones like the Collatz Conjecture.

What is the world's hardest math question?

  1. The Riemann Hypothesis. Possibly the most important problem in mathematics, the Riemann Hypothesis involves the distribution of prime numbers. ...
  2. P vs. NP Problem. ...
  3. Collatz Conjecture. ...
  4. Goldbach's Conjecture. ...
  5. Navier-Stokes Existence and Smoothness. ...
  6. The Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer Conjecture. ...
  7. Beal's Conjecture. ...
  8. Hadamard's Conjecture.

Will 3x-1 ever be solved?

The 3x + 1 problem or Collatz Conjecture, also known as the 3n + 1 problem, is a famous unsolved problem in mathematics that has puzzled mathematicians for over half a century. The problem is deceptively simple to state, but it has resisted all attempts to solve it.

What does ∑ mean in math?

In math, the uppercase sigma (Σ) primarily means summation, a shorthand for adding a series of terms, while the lowercase sigma (σ) often represents standard deviation in statistics or is used in concepts like σsigma𝜎-algebras in set theory, indicating a countable union. Essentially, Σ tells you to "add up" values, while σ (lowercase) has specialized statistical or abstract algebra meanings.
 

What defines a "correct" answer?

A 'correct answer' is defined as a response that accurately reflects the right solution to a question, contributing to the total score in a testing scenario, as exemplified by the calculation of maximum possible correct answers in a group of questions.

The Hardest Math Problems from Different Countries

16 related questions found

What is 0.6666667 as a fraction?

The decimal 0.6666667 is a rounded version of the repeating decimal 0.666..., which is exactly 2/3 as a fraction; if you treat 0.6666667 as a precise number, it's 6,666,667/10,000,000, but usually, the intent is the simpler fraction 2/3.
 

What is the math code for "I love you"?

"I love you" in math code often uses 143 (1 letter in "I", 4 in "Love", 3 in "You"), 520 (sounds like "wo ai ni" in Mandarin), or phone keypad tricks like 459 (ILY), but also includes creative equations, like complex functions or polynomial coefficients, designed to visually spell out "I love you" when interpreted, turning math into a playful language of affection. 

What is 1 ➗ 0 and why?

It does not yield a meaningful or valid result. Division by zero violates the fundamental principles of arithmetic and leads to mathematical inconsistencies. Therefore, 1 divided by 0 is undefined.

What is the answer to 11 11x11 11 only for genius?

-99 (PE)MDAS 11-11x11+11= Multiplication (11x11) = 11-121+11 ̶̶D̶̶i̶̶v̶̶i̶̶s̶̶i̶̶o̶̶n (yes, Pemdas. So the Multiplication and Division can change, And so does addition and subtraction, as its left to right.) Subtraction (11-121) =-110+11 Addition (-110+11) =-99 Therefore the answer is -99.

What are the 7 hardest math problems?

The 7 hardest math problems are the Millennium Prize Problems, designated by the Clay Mathematics Institute in 2000, offering a \$1 million prize for solutions; they are the Riemann Hypothesis, P vs. NP Problem, Yang-Mills & Mass Gap, Navier-Stokes Existence & Smoothness, Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer Conjecture, Hodge Conjecture, and the solved Poincaré Conjecture, with six still unsolved, representing deep challenges in pure mathematics.
 

What is the hardest math question on planet Earth?

There isn't one single "hardest" math question, but the Riemann Hypothesis is often cited as the most important unsolved problem, dealing with prime numbers and holding a $1 million prize. Other contenders include the P vs NP Problem, the Navier-Stokes Existence and Smoothness, and the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer Conjecture, all Millennium Prize Problems with profound implications, while deceptively simple problems like the Collatz Conjecture (3n+1) also remain unsolved. 

What is 0.08333333333 as a fraction?

Fraction = 1 / 12 = 0.0833333333333 | Desmos.

What is 13.72 as a fraction?

Convert 13.72 to a fraction: 13.72 = 1372/100. Simplify: 1372/100 = 343/25.

Should I guess b or c?

When guessing on multiple-choice tests, sticking to one letter (like B or C) is often better than random flipping, with some test data suggesting B or C can be slightly more frequent, but the best approach depends on the test; use elimination first, then pick one consistent letter (like 'C' as a common "safe bet" strategy) for remaining questions, as no single letter guarantees success, but consistency beats pure randomness.
 

How to get 100% in every test?

Getting 100% on every test requires consistent, active learning, eliminating careless errors, understanding the teacher's expectations, and strong test-taking habits, focusing on deep comprehension through techniques like active recall, spaced repetition, and practicing problems from notes/homework until you can do them perfectly without aids, all while ensuring proper sleep, nutrition, and time management to minimize errors. 

Can a "correct answer" be subjective?

A subjective assessment involves an evaluator's personal judgment or opinion to determine the quality of responses. There is no single correct answer, and these assessments often require critical thinking, creativity, and interpretation.

How to find birthday math trick?

Birthday math tricks use a series of calculations to reveal someone's birth month and day, often by manipulating numbers (month/day/year) through multiplication, addition, and subtraction, resulting in a final number where specific digits correspond to the birthday, like one popular method involving multiplying the month by 5, adding 6, multiplying by 4, adding 9, multiplying by 5, adding the day, and then subtracting 165 to get 100x(Month) + Day.
 

Which number logically follows this series 4 6 9 6 14 6 answer?

Answer and Explanation:

= 6 a 3 = 4 + 5 = 9 a 5 = 9 + 5 = 14 a 7 = 14 + 5 = 19 So, the series becomes 4 , 6 , 9 , 6 , 14 , 6 , 19 , 6 , 24 , 6 , . . . Hence, 19 is the next number.