Number TheoryUnsolved

Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer Conjecture

Is the rank of an elliptic curve determined by the behavior of its L-function at s = 1?

Overview

The conjecture relates the number of rational points on an elliptic curve to the behavior of its L-function at s = 1.

Why It Matters

It links arithmetic geometry, elliptic curves, and L-functions. Impacts cryptography and number theory.

Current Status

Known in many special cases, deep partial results exist, but the full statement remains unproven.

What a Solution Would Require

A general proof connecting rank and L-function behavior as stated.