heuristics in mathematics

Heuristics in mathematics are practical methods or rules of thumb used to solve problems more efficiently when perfect solutions are impractical or too complex. They help guide decision-making by providing quick, approximate solutions based on experience or intuition. While heuristics may not always guarantee the optimal answer, they are valuable for making progress in complex scenarios where full analysis is difficult or resources are limited. Essentially, heuristics are mental shortcuts that simplify problem-solving, enabling mathematicians and scientists to arrive at useful results more efficiently.