👉 Post-posted math refers to the phenomenon where a mathematical statement or theorem that was previously unproven or considered unprovable is later discovered to be true, often after the initial arguments or proofs have been published and widely discussed. This can happen due to various factors, such as a mistake in the original proof, an overlooked detail, or the discovery of a counterexample that contradicts the claim. The post-posted nature of this math is significant because it highlights the fallibility of mathematical reasoning and the importance of rigorous verification. For instance, in 2013, a paper claiming to prove Fermat's Last Theorem for all integers greater than 2 was retracted after it was discovered that the proof relied on a flawed assumption. This underscores the need for thorough peer review and independent verification in mathematical research to ensure the validity of new findings.
