ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Delian problem

Okay, so the Delian problem is a really tricky math puzzle that’s been around for a long, long time. Basically, it’s all about trying to solve a very specific type of geometric equation using only a ruler and a compass, which are really just tools that you use to make straight lines and circles.

Imagine you have a piece of paper and you draw a square on it. Then, you want to make a new square that is exactly twice as big as the first one. You could make the new square using the ruler and the compass, but the challenge is that you can only use those tools to make straight lines and circles.

Many famous mathematicians have tried to solve this problem over the years, but it’s really hard! Some people even thought it was impossible to solve. But eventually, a guy named Hippocrates figured out a way to do it using a series of circles and lines.

In short, the Delian problem is basically a really tough math challenge that requires you to use a ruler and a compass to solve a geometric equation. And it’s tricky because you can only draw straight lines and circles – no cheating allowed!