u/nerrooherroo

Ok, suppose an amateur got really close to a proof of the collatz conjecture. To the point where they can make many determinations, like given x then y and z are true. Connections that have been so far undefined. But they lack the education to formalize a proof.

What should they do? Attend courses to achieve the education necessary to formalize a proof but risk the chance that someone smarter discovers it as well and develops a proof sooner? Reach out to a professional in hopes of co-authoring a proof? Give their head a shake because they're likely misguided?

Say their discoveries were integral to uncovering the proof but they had a co-author. Would their contributions be overshadowed by the veteran author?

Thoughts?