How many theorems are there in mathematics?

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In summary, there are an infinite number of potential theorems in mathematics, but not all of them are interesting. Canada produced 73 mathematical research papers per year per million of the population in 1990, followed by the US and Holland with 47 papers. According to the Association of Research Libraries, there has been an exponential growth in mathematical publishing, with an estimated 1,000,000 papers published to date.
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xavier_r
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How many theorems are there in mathematics?

A very stupid question... I hope there's an answer!
 
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42. The 43rd might be invented soon.
 
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There are an infinite number of potential theorems. However, not all of them are interesting.
 
  • #5
Maybe easier to estimate is the number of mathematical research papers published. Most of those will contain at least one original theorem, many of those will contain multiple theorems.

Found on-line in the Canadian Encyclopedia: Canada produced 73 mathematical research papers per year per million of the population in 1990. US and Holland followed with 47 mathematical research papers per year per million of the population.

From the Association of Research Libraries ( http://www.arl.org/sc/subversive/viii-a-researchers-perspective.shtml ):
The exponential growth in mathematical publishing has interesting implications. Adding up the numbers in [MR] or simply extrapolating from the current figure of about 50,000 papers per year and a doubling every 10 years, we come to the conclusion that about 1,000,000 mathematical papers have ever been published.
 
  • #6


Vanadium is right an easier question to answer would be how many planets in the universe or how many moons in the universe.
 

1. How many theorems are there in mathematics?

The exact number of theorems in mathematics is unknown, as new theorems are constantly being discovered and proven. However, it is estimated that there are millions of theorems in mathematics.

2. Who keeps track of all the theorems in mathematics?

There is no single organization or individual responsible for keeping track of all the theorems in mathematics. Rather, the mathematical community as a whole is responsible for discovering, proving, and sharing new theorems.

3. Can anyone create a new theorem?

Technically, anyone can create a new theorem. However, in order for a theorem to be accepted and recognized by the mathematical community, it must be rigorously proven and published in a reputable journal.

4. Are all theorems in mathematics universally accepted?

No, not all theorems in mathematics are universally accepted. There may be disagreements or debates about the validity or applicability of certain theorems, and some may only be applicable in specific branches or fields of mathematics.

5. How do theorems contribute to the advancement of mathematics?

Theorems are essential to the advancement of mathematics as they serve as building blocks for more complex theories and can lead to the discovery of new concepts and relationships. They also help to solidify existing knowledge and provide a foundation for further research.

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