In plain words: One AI agent searches for a proof in ordinary math language, then a second turns it into a computer-checked proof that must be correct. Together they solved an open problem in commutative algebra with almost no human help.
Abstract
Recent advances in large language models have significantly improved their ability to perform mathematical reasoning, extending from elementary problem solving to increasingly capable performance on research-level problems. However, reliably solving and verifying such problems remains challenging due to the inherent ambiguity of natural language reasoning. In this paper, we propose an automated framework that integrates natural language reasoning with formal verification to tackle research-level mathematical problems. Our framework consists of two components: an informal reasoning agent, Rethlas, and a formal verification agent, Archon. Rethlas combines reasoning primitives with our theorem search engine, Matlas, to explore solution strategies and construct candidate proofs. Archon, equipped with LeanSearch, translates informal arguments into formalized Lean 4 projects through task decomposition, iterative refinement, and automated proof synthesis, ensuring machine-checkable correctness. Using this framework, we resolve an open problem in commutative algebra and formally verify the resulting proof in Lean 4 with essentially no human involvement. Additional case studies illustrate the capabilities of Rethlas in informal mathematical reasoning and discovery, as well as the ability of Archon to formalize research-level proofs in Lean 4. Our experiments demonstrate that strong theorem retrieval tools enable the discovery and application of cross-domain mathematical techniques, while the formal agent can autonomously fill nontrivial gaps in informal arguments. More broadly, our work illustrates a promising paradigm for mathematical research in which informal and formal reasoning systems, equipped with theorem retrieval tools, operate in tandem to produce verifiable results, reduce human effort, and support human-AI collaborative mathematical research.
Haocheng Ju, Guoxiong Gao, Jiedong Jiang, Bin Wu, Zeming Sun, Shurui Liu, Leheng Chen, Yutong Wang, Yuefeng Wang, Zichen Wang, Wanyi He, Peihao Wu, et al.
arXiv:2604.03789 · cs.LG, cs.AI · submitted Apr 4, 2026 · updated May 30, 2026
abstract · pdf · html · Code and resources are available at: Rethlas (https://github.com/frenzymath/Rethlas), Rethlas Results (https://github.com/frenzymath/Rethlas_results), Archon (https://github.com/frenzymath/Archon), and the formalization results (https://github.com/frenzymath/Anderson-Conjecture)