GPT-4.5, the latest iteration of OpenAI's large language models, demonstrates mixed performance in mathematical and scientific tasks. Here's a detailed overview of its capabilities and limitations:
Mathematical Capabilities
GPT-4.5 shows significant improvements in mathematical reasoning compared to its predecessors. It performs 30% better on mathematical reasoning tasks than GPT-4, thanks to its advanced chain-of-thought reasoning structure[1]. This enhancement allows it to tackle complex mathematical problems with greater accuracy and provide more transparent explanations of its thought process. However, despite these improvements, GPT-4.5 is not the top performer in all mathematical benchmarks. For instance, it is outperformed by other models like o3-mini in specific math and science evaluations[5][9].
Scientific Tasks
In scientific tasks, GPT-4.5 excels more in providing nuanced and contextually appropriate responses rather than solving complex scientific equations. While it can assist with tasks like querying scientific facts and acting as a knowledge base interface, its ability to solve advanced scientific problems is not as pronounced as its language-related capabilities[2][5]. GPT-4.5's strength lies in its ability to engage in natural conversations and provide creative solutions, which can be beneficial for tasks requiring human collaboration and understanding[7][9].
Limitations and Comparisons
GPT-4.5's performance in mathematical and scientific tasks is not uniformly superior to all previous models. It is designed more for general language understanding and emotional intelligence, which makes it less optimal for tasks demanding advanced reasoning capabilities[3][5]. For example, while GPT-4.5 reduces hallucinations significantly compared to its predecessors, it still scores lower than some specialized models in specific scientific benchmarks[5][9].
In summary, GPT-4.5 offers improved mathematical reasoning capabilities but may not be the best choice for advanced scientific problem-solving. Its strengths lie in its conversational abilities and creative applications, making it a valuable tool for tasks that require nuanced human interaction and understanding.
Citations:
[1] https://9meters.com/technology/ai/gpt-4-5-begins-rolling-out-to-plus-and-team-users-next-week-then-to-enterprise-and-edu-users-the-following-week
[2] https://proceedings.neurips.cc/paper_files/paper/2023/file/58168e8a92994655d6da3939e7cc0918-Paper-Datasets_and_Benchmarks.pdf
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/ChatGPT/comments/1izpvcb/thoughts_on_gpt45_and_why_its_important/
[4] https://www.kommunicate.io/blog/chatgpt-4-vs-chatgpt-3-5-key-differences/
[5] https://topmostads.com/openai-release-gpt-4-5/
[6] https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/14/7/698
[7] https://openai.com/index/introducing-gpt-4-5/
[8] https://blog.promptlayer.com/everything-we-know-openais-gpt-4-5-model/
[9] https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/02/27/1112619/openai-just-released-gpt-4-5-and-says-it-is-its-biggest-and-best-chat-model-yet/