I’m a student with a strong interest in computer science and complexity theory. Recently, I worked on a manuscript attempting to prove that P ≠ NP.
I know how this sounds — it’s one of the hardest and most debated problems in CS, and many have tried and failed. I don’t claim to have the final answer, but I believe the approach I used might at least offer some fresh perspective or provoke useful critique.
The idea involves geometric separation between deterministic and nondeterministic computation, using high-dimensional lattice constructions and some physics-inspired intuition. The full argument is technical, but I tried to keep it logically structured.
The preprint is 93 pages long. It was originally written in Russian, and I created an English version via machine translation, so apologies in advance for awkward wording or formatting.
DOI and full paper (both languages): https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16759468
I’m genuinely open to feedback — whether it’s pointing out flaws, questioning assumptions, or just explaining why this approach doesn’t work. Any form of critical input is welcome.
If there’s interest, I can also create a short video explanation in simple terms to walk through the core ideas — even though I don’t have a channel or any audience yet.
Thanks in advance for taking the time, even if it’s just to skim or tell me what to fix!
doormatt•6mo ago
Isn’t it possible that your "hard" instances could be solvable in polynomial time by some algorithm that doesn’t rely on geometric modeling or Hamiltonian dynamics?
How do you justify that every polynomial-time Turing machine algorithm can be modeled as a trajectory in your Hamiltonian system?
LaghZen•6mo ago
1. Algphys is shown to be equivalent to P, meaning any polynomial-time Turing algorithm can be modeled in Algphys. The paper constructs "frustrated" 3-SAT instances requiring exponential time in Algphys due to high combinatorial complexity and spectral properties (e.g., Hessian eigenvalues growing as ~ 2^n). Since Algphys = P, this implies no polynomial-time Turing algorithm can solve NP-complete problems.
2. The equivalence of Algphys and P means any polynomial-time algorithm, regardless of approach, can be modeled in Algphys. The exponential lower bound for these instances in Algphys applies to all polynomial-time Turing algorithms, suggesting these "hard" instances are inherently exponential, no matter the method.
3. The paper establishes P ~ Algphys by mapping Turing machine states to points on a symplectic manifold, with the cost function H encoding computation steps. The Hamiltonian dynamics (γ̇(t) = J∇H(γ(t))) simulate the algorithm’s execution path, ensuring every polynomial-time algorithm corresponds to a trajectory in Algphys.
doormatt•6mo ago
LaghZen•6mo ago
Equivalence of P and Algphys: Section 2.3 and Appendix D show any polynomial-time algorithm can be modeled in Algphys with preserved complexity.
Polynomial Mapping: Section 2.2 and Appendix C detail symplectomorphic reductions, ensuring mappings like those for 3-SAT are polynomial-time computable.
No Exponential Distortion: Appendix F (Elimination of Objections) addresses concerns like exponential precision, confirming mappings don’t inflate complexity for polynomial algorithms.
The exponential bounds come from the inherent structure of NP-complete problems, not the mapping itself.
doormatt•6mo ago
LaghZen•6mo ago
In section C.4, at the end of step 4, there is a statement: the Hessian spectrum creates obstacles for polynomial algorithms in certain places, which can be interpreted as areas of high rigidity. However, it does not explicitly state that algorithms never enter these areas, but only highlights their difficulties. I agree that this is not written down as the only explicit lemma of the form you asked for.
I can add an explicit lemma to the appendix, which will specify in the required form the property that polynomial-time algorithms never fall into areas with high rigidity, and I will update the preprint. Meanwhile, the existing material (Thm. 2.5, Thms. C.1/C.4, App. F.4, Thm. E.1) contains ingredients that substantiate the claim; the new lemma will make this reference explicit.
If you want, I can update the preprint soon and report back with the precise lemma number and page.
doormatt•6mo ago
Just to be clear though, if that lemma isn’t yet explicitly proven, then the core claim (that Algphys cannot simulate certain NP-complete solutions in polynomial time) has not been established. I agree the components may suggest difficulty in high-rigidity regions, but unless you formally prove that no polynomial-time Turing machine’s trajectory enters those regions, the P != NP conclusion doesn’t follow.
LaghZen•6mo ago