Are Prime Numbers More Than Just Random Numbers? A Look at Du Sautoy's Theories

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of prime numbers, specifically exploring the theories proposed by du Sautoy regarding potential patterns among primes. Participants engage with the concept of primes as more than random numbers, touching on their properties and relationships to other mathematical constructs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions du Sautoy's claim that some superdigit primes are unique and may have underlying patterns.
  • Another participant points out that while the differences between consecutive squares are odd numbers, not all odd numbers are prime, raising questions about the initial claim.
  • A question is posed regarding the existence of prime numbers that are not odd, leading to a discussion about the only even prime number.
  • Several participants speculate about the identity of the even prime number, with some humorously suggesting non-integer values.
  • One participant challenges the understanding of du Sautoy's work, suggesting that the original question may stem from a misunderstanding of the book 'Music of the Primes'.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the existence of a pattern among prime numbers, seeking a basis for the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of prime numbers or the validity of du Sautoy's claims. Multiple competing views are presented regarding the properties of primes and their potential patterns.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the definitions of prime numbers and the assumptions underlying du Sautoy's theories. The discussion reflects a mix of mathematical reasoning and exploratory questioning without definitive conclusions.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the properties of prime numbers, mathematical theories, and the works of mathematicians like du Sautoy may find this discussion relevant.

SeManTics
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A man called du Sautoy proclaimed in a book that some superdigit primes are unique, hard to calculate and probably have some sort of special underlying pattern. All I can tell is that a prime is the difference between two consecutive squares. What have YOU come up with?
 
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The differences between consecutive squares are the odd numbers. Not ever odd number is prime, and not every prime is an odd number, so what are you getting at?
 
matt grime said:
...Not ever odd number is prime, and not every prime is an odd number, so what are you getting at?

Is there such prime number that is not odd?
 
Yes. It is less than three, but greater than one.
 
is it 1.3?
 
or how bout 1.1?
 
I'd have to say JonF is closer.

needhalp : all evens >2 are divisible by 2, hence, non-prime.

Semantics : You must be talking of du Sautoy from Oxford. And you must be referring to 'Music of the Primes' but surely you can't have read the book and end up asking a question like this. Where did you find this claim ?
 
Nothing. I'm just saying if prime numbers were not random numbers, if there was a pattern or the like, what would it be? But I needed a base to have reason to begin this string, and when I saw this guys book, I saw he was addressing the issue. But I'm not sure that book was Music of the Primes.
 

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