ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Hilbert's second problem

Hilbert's Second Problem is a tough question that asks if every mathematical problem that can be solved with algebraic equations can also be solved with geometric shapes. Imagine you have a bunch of shapes like circles, squares, and triangles. These shapes can be moved around, twisted, and turned, but they still keep their basic shape.

Now imagine you have a bunch of algebraic equations, like x + y = 5 or 2x - y = 6. These equations represent lines and curves on a graph, but they can't be moved around like shapes.

Hilbert's Second Problem asks if every mathematical problem that can be solved with equations can also be solved with shapes. This is a difficult question, and mathematicians have been working on it for over a hundred years.

In a way, Hilbert's Second Problem is like asking if we can use shapes to solve any math problem we might come across, or if there are some problems that can only be solved with equations. It's a big, important question that really challenges our understanding of math.
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