Re: [Cryptography] P=NP on TV
On 10/07/2013 05:28 PM, David Johnston wrote: > We are led to believe that if it is shown that P = NP, we suddenly have a > break for all sorts of algorithms. > So if P really does = NP, we can just assume P = NP and the breaks will make > themselves evident. They do not. Hence P != NP. As I see it, it's still possible. Proving that a solution exists does not necessarily show you what the solution is or how to find it. And just because a solution is subexponential is no reason a priori to suspect that it's cheaper than some known exponential solution for any useful range of values. So, to me, this is an example of TV getting it wrong. If someone ever proves P=NP, I expect that there will be thunderous excitement in the math community, leaping hopes in the hearts of investors and technologists, and then very careful explanations by the few people who really understand the proof that it doesn't mean we can actually do anything we couldn't do before. Bear ___ The cryptography mailing list cryptography@metzdowd.com http://www.metzdowd.com/mailman/listinfo/cryptography
Re: [Cryptography] P=NP on TV
On 10/6/2013 12:17 PM, Salz, Rich wrote: Last week, the American TV show Elementary (a TV who-done-it) was about the murder of two mathematicians who were working on proof of P=NP. The implications to crypto, and being able to "crack into servers" was covered. It was mostly accurate, up until the deux ex machine of the of the NSA hiding all the loose ends at the last minute. J Fun and available at http://www.cbs.com/shows/elementary/video/ That gets to the heart of why I think P != NP. We are led to believe that if it is shown that P = NP, we suddenly have a break for all sorts of algorithms. So if P really does = NP, we can just assume P = NP and the breaks will make themselves evident. They do not. Hence P != NP. Wheres my Field's Medal? ___ The cryptography mailing list cryptography@metzdowd.com http://www.metzdowd.com/mailman/listinfo/cryptography
Re: [Cryptography] P=NP on TV
So their research was stolen and they were assassinated by the NSA? Makes sense. (Except for the NSA's lack of field agents! CIA involvement is required) ___ The cryptography mailing list cryptography@metzdowd.com http://www.metzdowd.com/mailman/listinfo/cryptography
[Cryptography] P=NP on TV
Last week, the American TV show Elementary (a TV who-done-it) was about the murder of two mathematicians who were working on proof of P=NP. The implications to crypto, and being able to "crack into servers" was covered. It was mostly accurate, up until the deux ex machine of the of the NSA hiding all the loose ends at the last minute. :) Fun and available at http://www.cbs.com/shows/elementary/video/ -- Principal Security Engineer Akamai Technology Cambridge, MA ___ The cryptography mailing list cryptography@metzdowd.com http://www.metzdowd.com/mailman/listinfo/cryptography
