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Prime Numbers are one of the most interesting topics in the Maths subject. After all, they are the foundation of the number theory and can be used for different purposes from cryptocurrency to computing. This article explores the interesting facts about prime numbers that you should know. These facts will further develop your understanding, and interest in the subject. Keep reading to learn facts about prime numbers.
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What is a Prime Number in Mathematics?
A Prime Number in Mathematics is a natural number greater than one. However, what is distinct about prime numbers is that they are not divisible by a number other than one. A prime number can only be divided by 1, or the number itself! For example,
- Numbers like 3,2, 5, 7, and 11 are prime numbers
- Since 8 is not considered a prime number, it can be evenly divided by other numbers like 2,4,1, and 8.
Prime Numbers are important in mathematics because they are the foundation for whole numbers through multiplication such as prime factorisation.
Fun Facts About Prime Numbers
Here are some facts about prime numbers that you will love to know about:
1. The Only Even Prime Number
The majority of the prime numbers are odd. However, the number 2 is not. Two is the only even prime number. This means any number greater than 2 can be divided by 2. Therefore, it is also considered a composite number. The number 2 is also known as the oddest prime even though it is an even number.
2. Prime Numbers are Infinite
Euclid, the Greek mathematician (300 BC) proved that there cannot be a single largest prime number. Prime numbers are infinite. This discovery was significant because if there is a largest prime number it is possible to multiply it with all prime numbers and add number 1 to find a new prime number.
3. Twin Prime Numbers Exist
Certain prime numbers are just two numbers apart. For example, numbers 5 and 7, numbers 3 and 5, and numbers 11 and 13. It’s called the Twin Prime numbers. Certain mathematics of the belief that there are an infinite number of twin prime numbers.
Also Read – 20 Most Famous Indian Mathematicians
4. Prime Number Distribution is Mysterious
One of the interesting facts about prime numbers is that when numbers get greater they appear less frequently. Moreover, you won’t find a single formula that will help you to predict the next prime number. The Prime Number Theorem states that a prime number is less than the given number. However, it does not specifically state where the prime numbers are.
5. Significant for Cryptography
Do you know that Prime Numbers are used for encryption for data safety? The RSA encryption algorithm that is used for safe online banking depends on large prime numbers. The reason? Prime numbers are difficult to find and break down. Therefore they protect data from hackers.
6. Palindromes Prime Numbers
Certain prime numbers read the same backwards and forward. For example, 757, 131, AND 919. It makes these prime numbers extremely unique compared to other prime numbers.
7. Take Out Even Numbers from Primes
Another one of the interesting facts about primes is that you can build an even number. This is also called prime factorisation. All numbers above 1 are either prime or can be a product of primes. For example, : 28 = 2 × 2 × 7.
8. The Gaps Between Primes Grow Wider
Other facts about prime numbers are that their gaps grow larger as we count further. In the beginning they seem close- For example, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11. However, once we start counting further after 89 the next prime we can land on is 97. This makes the prime numbers mysterious.
9. The Largest Known Prime Number
As of 2025, the largest prime number ever discovered is 2^82,589,933 − 1 This number has around 24,862,048 digits! This means the number has around 24,862,048 digits! It has been possible to find this number because of the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS). These huge prime numbers are also called Mersenne primes.
10. Greeks Have First Studied the Primes
One of the lesser-known facts about primes is that the Greeks were the first to study them. The first primes were studied in 300 BCE. Euclid, the famous mathematician provided the same in his book – Elements. After 2000 years the prime numbers are still considered as one of the most interesting topics to study.
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Why Are Prime Numbers Significant?
Now you know the amazing facts about prime numbers. However, do you really know why the prime numbers are important? Here are some of the reasons why the prime numbers are considered important.
- Essential for computer security. For example, you need it when you want to protect your bank account with a passport.
- Number theory which is an important part of mathematics relies on prime numbers
- Moreover, prime numbers as useful in discovering more mathematical connections
- It is also useful to understand patterns and randomness in the subject of mathematics.
When you study prime numbers you can improve your problem-solving skills. Besides this, you can seek out career opportunities in physics, cryptography, and coding.
FAQs about Prime Numbers
11 is a prime number and it is divisible by 1. It is also divisible by 11. The number 11 has two factors 1 and 11. Therefore, it is considered a prime number.
The smallest prime number is the number 2. 1 has only 1 factor which is 1 itself. The next smallest number that is non-zero is number 2. Therefore, it is the smallest prime number.
The 7 prime factors are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, etc. Factors that can divide the original number and are impossible to split into more factors are the prime factors of the specific number.
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