What Are the Real-World Applications of Perfect Numbers Beyond Mersenne Primes?

[matqkks]

Why are perfect numbers important?
What is the best way of introducing these numbers to a first course on number theory?
I could not find any application apart from the relation to Mersenne primes. Are there any other applications of perfect numbers?

 

[Simon Bridge]

Weclome to PF;
I'll answer by asking questions.
1. why are the different classifications of numbers important?
2. how do you normally introduce concepts into the course?

3. why do you need more - do you know what Mersenne primes get used for?
http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/701037/applications-of-perfect-numbers

 

[micromass]

Why are perfect numbers important?
What is the best way of introducing these numbers to a first course on number theory?
I could not find any application apart from the relation to Mersenne primes. Are there any other applications of perfect numbers?

To be honest, I doubt perfect numbers are useful at all. Surely in a number theory course, your students can appreciate a theory that doesn't have an application but just intrinsic beauty?
If I were to teach the course, I would lay a link with history and the Pythagoreans.