Alright, are you ready to dive into the exciting world of math and computers? Yes, they make a terrific combo! Let's explore the future of mathematical proofs in the digital age.

First things first, to understand how computers will influence math, we need to understand what mathematics is and what mathematicians do. This is where the amazing world of formal proofs comes in!

Formal proofs are like the instruction manual for a big Lego set – they outline, step-by-step, how we get from a problem to a solution. But sometimes, these proofs can be super long (like a never-ending homework assignment 😱), making them difficult, even impossible, for a mathematician to verify.

Here's where computers step in to lend a helping hand! With computer proof assistants, mathematicians have a new tool to not only verify but also generate proofs. It's like having your very own robot math buddy! 🤖

Now, let's dive into some cool examples of computer-aided math. Back in 1976, the four-colour theorem was proven with the help of a computer, making it the first proof of its kind. The proof was so complex that no human could verify it without trusting the software. Kind of like when you use Google Maps for a long journey, you've just got to trust the directions!

Fast forward to 1998, the Kepler conjecture was proven using a proof that contained over 3 gigabytes of data! This is called a "proof by exhaustion," where a computer checks all possible cases. But it's a bit controversial because it can't be checked by a single person. Imagine trying to eat an ice cream sundae the size of a house, impossible, right? Well, that's how some people feel about these proofs!