Prime numbers — those divisible only by 1 and the number itself, like 5, 11 or 37 — are like the atoms of mathematics: All numbers are formed by multiplying these building blocks together.
Two Elusive Prime Number Problems Solved
After centuries of flummoxing number crunchers, two mathematical puzzles about prime numbers were cracked this year.
Jan 7, 2014 6:26 PMNov 12, 2019 4:39 AM
Tomas Skopal/Shutterstock
Newsletter
Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month
Stay Curious
Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.
View our Privacy Policy
Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!
Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription
More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Subscribe
To The Magazine
Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.
Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.