Fermi estimate of the week: Riemann hypothesis

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around estimating the total hours spent on solving the Riemann hypothesis since its proposal in 1859. One participant estimates approximately 5.3 million hours have been dedicated to the problem, breaking it down into different time periods. They humorously note that they likely won't solve it themselves, adding a lighthearted tone to the conversation. The average prize winnings per hour, based on the Clay Institute's $1 million reward, would be about $0.189. Overall, the thread highlights the extensive effort invested in this mathematical challenge.
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For those not familiar with the term Fermi estimate/problem/question see here:
http://www.vendian.org/envelope/dir0/fermi_questions.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermi_problem

My question: Between the time that Riemann posed his famous question (in 1859) and now, how many hours have been expended on the problem?

Extra credit: How many hours will have been expended on the problem by the time it is solved? Assuming the Clay institute pays out its million-dollar prize at that point, what is the average prize-winnings per hour? :biggrin:
 
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I know pretty much nothing about it, but I like Fermi problems.

I estimate 600K hours between 1859-1900, 1.7M hours between 1901-1950, and 2.8M hours between 1950-present, making 5.1M hours

It needs another few years until I solve it (SARCASM, I PROBABLY WON'T SOLVE IT), so roughly 5.3M hours.

$1M/5.3Mhours = $0.189 per hour
 
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