Editing Experimental mathematics (section)

==Tools and techniques==
Experimental mathematics makes use of [[numerical methods]] to calculate approximate values for [[integral]]s and [[infinite series]]. [[Arbitrary precision arithmetic]] is often used to establish these values to a high degree of precision – typically 100 significant figures or more. [[Integer relation algorithm]]s are then used to search for relations between these values and [[mathematical constant]]s. Working with high precision values reduces the possibility of mistaking a [[mathematical coincidence]] for a true relation. A formal proof of a conjectured relation will then be sought – it is often easier to find a formal proof once the form of a conjectured relation is known.

If a [[counterexample]] is being sought or a large-scale [[proof by exhaustion]] is being attempted, [[distributed computing]] techniques may be used to divide the calculations between multiple computers.

Frequent use is made of general [[mathematical software]] or domain-specific software written for attacks on problems that require high efficiency. Experimental mathematics software usually includes [[error detection and correction]] mechanisms, integrity checks and redundant calculations designed to minimise the possibility of results being invalidated by a hardware or software error.