UCLA group discovers massive prime number

  • Thread starter Thread starter Math Is Hard
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Group Prime
AI Thread Summary
UCLA mathematicians have discovered a 13-million-digit Mersenne prime, marking the 46th known Mersenne prime and making them eligible for a $100,000 prize. The discovery was made using a network of 75 computers running Windows XP and verified by a different system. The discussion around this milestone touches on the practical applications of large prime numbers, particularly in encryption, though it is noted that current encryption standards have surpassed the need for such large primes. The conversation also delves into the definition of prime numbers, specifically why 1 is not considered prime, highlighting the importance of maintaining unique factorization in mathematics. Participants express curiosity about the purpose of finding large primes, with some viewing it as a mathematical hobby or a pursuit of exploration and discovery. Overall, the thread combines technical insights with light-hearted banter about mathematics and its implications.
  • #51
tribdog said:
its a joke when Borek says it, but no one had a problem believing I thought 1 in 20 numbers is divisible by 7? I don't know if I should be offended or if this is just another case of "don't feed the tribdog"
Sorry Tribdog, if you had said 2 in 20 numbers were divisible by 7 it would have looked like a joke :smile:

And this post means we've hit the next prime number in this thread!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #52
5 is a very pretty prime =)
 
  • #53
Art said:
Sorry Tribdog, if you had said 2 in 20 numbers were divisible by 7 it would have looked like a joke :smile:

And this post means we've hit the next prime number in this thread!

yes, post number 51 is a great prime. almost as good as 15,18,21 and 24.
 
  • #54
Art said:
Sorry Tribdog, if you had said 2 in 20 numbers were divisible by 7 it would have looked like a joke :smile:

And this post means we've hit the next prime number in this thread!

Whaaaa?!? 51 is not prime! But 53...? :biggrin:
 
  • #55
DOH! tribdog, you beat me to post # 53!
 
  • #56
Dr Pepper has 23 flavors.
Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors.
Boeing has a 757

I wonder what the biggest prime number on a product is?

Prices like $4999 don't count.

I don't have the answer. It's merely the LowlyPion Conjecture.
 
  • #57
Power Point Viewer 2003.
 
  • #58
Good ones. All I could think of was Formula 409.
 
  • #59
Monique said:
Why don't they use the computer power for something useful?

LowlyPion said:
Dr Pepper has 23 flavors.
Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors.
Boeing has a 757

I wonder what the biggest prime number on a product is?

Prices like $4999 don't count.

I don't have the answer. It's merely the LowlyPion Conjecture.
You see Monique, there is a use for prime numbers. Without cutting edge prime numbers, where would we get prime time TV shows, USDA prime beef, prime real estate locations, and Prime Ministers not to mention exotic composite materials. Look at what happened with subprime loans. Now the gov't is looking to prime the pumps so these numbers will come in very handy. But most importantly, we have to keep one step ahead of the terrorists. What if they had a bigger prime number than we do?
 
  • #60
jimmysnyder said:
But most importantly, we have to keep one step ahead of the terrorists. What if they had a bigger prime number than we do?

:smile: I almost ruined my keyboard !
 
  • #61
Math Is Hard said:
Good ones. All I could think of was Formula 409.

Peugeot 607, but it is smaller than Boeing 757.

Windows Server 2003
 

Similar threads

What is the latest research on the brilliant minds of UCLA?
Replies
18
Views
8K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top