What properties do prime numbers exhibit?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of prime numbers that can be utilized in proofs. Participants explore definitions and characteristics that distinguish prime numbers from other types of numbers, similar to how rational and even numbers are defined by specific properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that a prime number ##p## is defined by the property that it is not a unit and if ##p## divides a product, it must divide at least one of the factors.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for specific properties that can aid in representing prime numbers when proving statements.
  • Some participants mention that there are numerous properties of prime numbers, suggesting that a comprehensive list would be extensive.
  • A later reply contrasts the defining properties of prime numbers with those of rational and even numbers, suggesting that prime numbers are defined by what they cannot be expressed as, similar to irrational numbers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature and number of properties that define prime numbers. While some agree on certain properties, there is no consensus on a definitive list or the best way to approach the question.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need to narrow down the question regarding prime number properties, indicating that the scope of inquiry may be too broad for a focused discussion.

Faiq
Messages
347
Reaction score
16
Mod note: moved from a homework section
What properties do prime numbers exhibit which can be used in proofs to define them?
Like rational numbers have a unique property that they can be expressed as a quotient of a/b.
Even numbers have a unique property of divisibility by 2 and thus they can be expressed as 2x.
Similarly are there any unique properties for prime numbers?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Mathematics news on Phys.org
A prime number ##p## has the following property (definition): ##p## isn't a unit and if ##p## divides a product then it divides a factor of it.
$$p \, | \, ab ⇒ p \, | \, a ∨ p \, | \, b$$
In case of integers, the units are ##±1##, so ##p \neq ±1##.
 
Faiq said:

Homework Statement


What properties do prime numbers exhibit which can be used in proofs to define them?
Like rational numbers have a unique property that they can be expressed as a quotient of a/b.
Even numbers have a unique property of divisibility by 2 and thus they can be expressed as 2x.
Similarly are there any unique properties for prime numbers?

I would google "prime number" and browse until you're bored. You could start here:

http://mathworld.wolfram.com/PrimeNumber.html
 
There are way too many properties of prime numbers to list all of them.
 
mfb said:
There are way too many properties of prime numbers to list all of them.
I am asking for properties that can help me represent a prime number when I am proving a statement
 
Faiq said:
I am asking for properties that can help me represent a prime number when I am proving a statement

Then you're asking for a huge list. You need to narrow down your question.
 
In #1 you quote unique (and in fact defining) properties of rational and even numbers as how they can be expressed. The defining property of prime numbers is how they can not be expressed. (Same as for irrational numbers.)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
5K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
4K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K