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Mathematics

Computational Complexity and the P Versus NP Problem

Quick fact

The P versus NP problem is one of the seven Millennium Prize Problems; a correct solution earns $1 million, and a proof that P = NP would collapse many modern cryptographic systems.

Why this is interesting

You have a lock that can be opened only by trying many combinations, but you can check any guess instantly. Could you design a master key that opens it without endless trial and error? This is the heart of the P versus NP problem.