It found an algorithm for multiplying two matrices of four rows of four numbers using just 47 multiplications, which outperforms Strassen’s 49 multiplications.

To multiply two numbers by hand takes a few steps but it's something we're taught in school. When dealing with big numbers, really big numbers, we need to a quicker way to do things.

To multiply two numbers by hand take a few steps but it’s something we’re taught in school. When dealing with big numbers, really big numbers, we need to a quicker way to do things.

You wouldn’t use this algorithm when calculating a tip, but when it comes to multiplying large numbers, Karatsuba’s method was a big advance. And once Karatsuba opened the door to faster ...

For example, multiplying two 4×4 matrices together using a traditional schoolroom method would take 64 multiplications, while Strassen's algorithm can perform the same feat in 49 multiplications.

With Deep Reinforcement Learning, DeepMind has discovered an algorithm no human thought of. It is supposed to significantly accelerate matrix multiplication.