tomo
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Nov 18, 2015 11:41 pm

Mathematics in bitcoin

Thu Nov 19, 2015 12:17 am

Hello everyone!

I need help from some teoretical matematitian :)

So blockchain technology is best solution for Two Generals' Problem (1970). Is this first time ever that solution of so strong problem is from anonymus person? Also, is this first time ever that invention was introduced, before solution for mathematical problem, that stands behind that invention? If is, that's spooky as hell :)

And what if someone solves P = NP? Then bitcoin dies? How likley is that? I heard that P = NP is hardest problem of all way to much. Is that true?

Tomo

koinster
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Oct 28, 2015 11:44 pm

Re: Mathematics in bitcoin

Thu Nov 19, 2015 6:22 am

Wrong. Bitcoin solves the Byzantine Generals' Problem, not the Two Generals' Problem. It does so in a probabilistic way - which is why it's not a valid solution to the Two Generals' Problem.

Thus far, the Two Generals' Problem is unsolved. It's proven to not have a solution.

Here's Satoshi explaining it.
Here's a formal proof.

tomo
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Nov 18, 2015 11:41 pm

Re: Mathematics in bitcoin

Thu Nov 19, 2015 9:18 am

Koinster thank you very much for quick answer!

Actually I tought it's something like that, then my statement where i said it's "best solution" stands? It's clear to me that it's not mathematical proof for "Theorem" Two Generals' Problem, but it is best that humans can make :) Bitcoin is pretty nice way to prove people how humans have low level of mathematical knowlage, but also how powerfull impact math have on humankind perspective about world. It's showing us also that we are not even near to solutions of big mathematical problems that will also change human perspective when they become solved. Mostly I'm refering to P = NP.

For me, as a low level mathematitian and software developer, it's completley wrong how we are approaching to Bitcoin. I see it just like some killer app on blockchain protocol. Other cryptocurrencies are just some other apps on blockchain protocol. It's like blockchain is some secure community (like internet was back in 1991, when people lack of knowlage of IP protocol), bitcoin is like browser for that protocol and other cryptocurrencies are just like some other regular web apps. Some of them stronger some of them weeaker. :)

Still if someone can confirm me my statement about P = NP I would be very happy.

Peace and love to everyone!

Tomo

User avatar
samuel.north
Nickel Bitcoiner
Nickel Bitcoiner
Posts: 45
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2018 8:49 am

Re: Mathematics in bitcoin

Mon Aug 27, 2018 7:47 am

I was never seriously thinking about relation between Mathematics and Bitcoin, meanwhile I am highly interested in both of these terms. By the way, if you love Math, too, I recommend to check these math tools immediately, they will become useful in the upcoming academic year.

Heaven009
Nickel Bitcoiner
Nickel Bitcoiner
Posts: 234
Joined: Wed Sep 13, 2017 6:42 pm
Contact: Website

Re: Mathematics in bitcoin

Mon Aug 27, 2018 7:47 pm

Bitcoin is obviously is related to finance and money which equates to mathematics.

By the way, what is NP?

Return to “Bitcoin Discussion”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest