Are prime fractals, or have a fractal geometry ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of whether prime numbers can be considered fractals or possess fractal geometry. Participants explore the geometric representation of primes, particularly in relation to computational visualizations and mathematical theories such as the zeta function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that representing all prime numbers using a computer could yield a fractal pattern.
  • Another participant questions the nature of primes as fractals, asking if they are self-similar or possess non-integer dimensions.
  • A different viewpoint is presented regarding the Sieve of Eratosthenes, proposing that visualizing a large number of primes could result in a fractal image.
  • One participant asserts that primes do not exhibit fractal properties, referencing the prime number theorem as a basis for this claim.
  • Another participant echoes the initial idea about primes forming a fractal and connects it to the use of prime numbers in cryptography, pondering the relationship between fractals and chaotic patterns.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether primes can be classified as fractals, with some supporting the idea and others contesting it based on established mathematical principles. The discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference mathematical concepts and visualizations that may depend on specific interpretations or definitions of fractals and prime numbers. The implications of the prime number theorem are also noted but not fully explored.

zetafunction
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are prime fractals, or have a fractal geometry ??

my idea is, if we consider the geometry of primes could we conclude they form a fractal ? , for example if we represent all the primes using a computer, it will give us a fractal pattern.

according to a paper http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/chao-dyn/pdf/9406/9406003v1.pdf

zeta function (which is just a product of primes for s >1) could be a fractal, but how about primes ?¿?
 
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In what sense are you saying the primes are (or may be) fractals? Are they self-similar? Do they have non-integer dimension?
 


my question is, if we use the Sieve of Eratosthenes.. for big scales (let us say 1000000000000000000000000 primes or similar) then the picture drawn is a fractal, for example.
 


If I interpret your question correctly: no, they don't, because of the prime number theorem.
 


zetafunction said:
my idea is, if we consider the geometry of primes could we conclude they form a fractal ? , for example if we represent all the primes using a computer, it will give us a fractal pattern.

according to a paper http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/chao-dyn/pdf/9406/9406003v1.pdf

zeta function (which is just a product of primes for s >1) could be a fractal, but how about primes ?¿?

This is an amazing question, was thinking about it last night. PGP and Gnupg both use prime numbers to generate the keys. If the Mandelbrot fractal pattern that Mandelbrot saw in the noise in the network lines is the same as the fractal's chaotic patterns we see then hummmmmmmmm...this is a good very good question, did you get an answer yet?
 

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