Are prime fractals, or have a fractal geometry ?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between prime numbers and fractal geometry, specifically whether primes can be considered fractals. Participants reference the Sieve of Eratosthenes and the Riemann zeta function as tools for visualizing primes and their potential fractal nature. The prime number theorem is cited as a counterpoint to the idea of primes being fractals, suggesting that while visual representations may appear fractal, the underlying mathematical properties do not support this classification. The conversation highlights the complexity of primes and their geometric representations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of prime numbers and their properties
  • Familiarity with the Sieve of Eratosthenes algorithm
  • Knowledge of the Riemann zeta function
  • Basic concepts of fractal geometry
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the implications of the prime number theorem on fractal geometry
  • Investigate the visual representation of primes using the Sieve of Eratosthenes
  • Study the properties of the Riemann zeta function in relation to primes
  • Learn about fractal patterns in mathematical contexts and their applications
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, computer scientists, and anyone interested in the intersection of number theory and fractal geometry.

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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