OT: Cool math fact, about prime numbers.

LionJim

Heisman
Oct 12, 2021
16,427
22,608
113
#subjectlinesmatter

Euclid proved that if S is any finite set of prime numbers then there is some prime number p which is not contained in S. Ergo, there are infinitely many primes. Nice proof, easy to understand.

Now:
8, 9, 10 are three consecutive non-primes.

32, 33, 34, 35, 36 are five consecutive non-primes.

212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218 are seven consecutive non-primes.

It’s an easy algorithm. To illustrate by using the last example, multiply 2, 3, 5, and 7 together to get 210 and then add 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 in succession to 210. 212 is divisible by 2, 213 by 3, 214 by 2, 215 by 5, 216 by 2, 217 by 7, 218 by 2. So, all non-primes.

So if you take any prime p, you can find a run of p consecutive non-primes. Since there are infinitely many primes, if X is the number of seconds from the Big Bang (13 billion years ago) to the moment I post this, you can find a run of X consecutive non-primes. Every second since the Big Bang, start with a non-prime the next number is itself a non prime. And there are infinitely many primes coming up afterwards. That blows my mind. Infinity is big.

YMMV. Thanks for indulging me. Now, off to the gym!
 

op2

All-Conference
Mar 16, 2014
12,011
1,763
103
#subjectlinesmatter

Euclid proved that if S is any finite set of prime numbers then there is some prime number p which is not contained in S. Ergo, there are infinitely many primes. Nice proof, easy to understand.

Now:
8, 9, 10 are three consecutive non-primes.

32, 33, 34, 35, 36 are five consecutive non-primes.

212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218 are seven consecutive non-primes.

It’s an easy algorithm. To illustrate by using the last example, multiply 2, 3, 5, and 7 together to get 210 and then add 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 in succession to 210. 212 is divisible by 2, 213 by 3, 214 by 2, 215 by 5, 216 by 2, 217 by 7, 218 by 2. So, all non-primes.

So if you take any prime p, you can find a run of p consecutive non-primes. Since there are infinitely many primes, if X is the number of seconds from the Big Bang (13 billion years ago) to the moment I post this, you can find a run of X consecutive non-primes. Every second since the Big Bang, start with a non-prime the next number is itself a non prime. And there are infinitely many primes coming up afterwards. That blows my mind. Infinity is big.

YMMV. Thanks for indulging me. Now, off to the gym!
What's your Erdos Number?
 

Midnighter

Heisman
Jan 22, 2021
12,670
21,076
113
#subjectlinesmatter

Euclid proved that if S is any finite set of prime numbers then there is some prime number p which is not contained in S. Ergo, there are infinitely many primes. Nice proof, easy to understand.

Now:
8, 9, 10 are three consecutive non-primes.

32, 33, 34, 35, 36 are five consecutive non-primes.

212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218 are seven consecutive non-primes.

It’s an easy algorithm. To illustrate by using the last example, multiply 2, 3, 5, and 7 together to get 210 and then add 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 in succession to 210. 212 is divisible by 2, 213 by 3, 214 by 2, 215 by 5, 216 by 2, 217 by 7, 218 by 2. So, all non-primes.

So if you take any prime p, you can find a run of p consecutive non-primes. Since there are infinitely many primes, if X is the number of seconds from the Big Bang (13 billion years ago) to the moment I post this, you can find a run of X consecutive non-primes. Every second since the Big Bang, start with a non-prime the next number is itself a non prime. And there are infinitely many primes coming up afterwards. That blows my mind. Infinity is big.

YMMV. Thanks for indulging me. Now, off to the gym!

I love the passion here but what makes this exciting? Genuinely curious. Is it to suggest how big infinity is? I recall one day in class my teacher said ‘how much space is there in an inch?’, and then went on to explain to you cut an inch into an infinite number of halves. That was when I realized I have no need for theoretical math concepts. I need a practical application.
 
Sep 10, 2013
18,360
13,387
113
I love the passion here but what makes this exciting? Genuinely curious. Is it to suggest how big infinity is? I recall one day in class my teacher said ‘how much space is there in an inch?’, and then went on to explain to you cut an inch into an infinite number of halves. That was when I realized I have no need for theoretical math concepts. I need a practical application.
For example 500 wheel horsepower before tune
 
  • Sad
Reactions: Midnighter

s1uggo72

All-American
Oct 12, 2021
7,326
5,911
113
#subjectlinesmatter

Euclid proved that if S is any finite set of prime numbers then there is some prime number p which is not contained in S. Ergo, there are infinitely many primes. Nice proof, easy to understand.

Now:
8, 9, 10 are three consecutive non-primes.

32, 33, 34, 35, 36 are five consecutive non-primes.

212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218 are seven consecutive non-primes.

It’s an easy algorithm. To illustrate by using the last example, multiply 2, 3, 5, and 7 together to get 210 and then add 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 in succession to 210. 212 is divisible by 2, 213 by 3, 214 by 2, 215 by 5, 216 by 2, 217 by 7, 218 by 2. So, all non-primes.

So if you take any prime p, you can find a run of p consecutive non-primes. Since there are infinitely many primes, if X is the number of seconds from the Big Bang (13 billion years ago) to the moment I post this, you can find a run of X consecutive non-primes. Every second since the Big Bang, start with a non-prime the next number is itself a non prime. And there are infinitely many primes coming up afterwards. That blows my mind. Infinity is big.

YMMV. Thanks for indulging me. Now, off to the gym!
Should have gone to the gym first
 

s1uggo72

All-American
Oct 12, 2021
7,326
5,911
113
I love the passion here but what makes this exciting? Genuinely curious. Is it to suggest how big infinity is? I recall one day in class my teacher said ‘how much space is there in an inch?’, and then went on to explain to you cut an inch into an infinite number of halves. That was when I realized I have no need for theoretical math concepts. I need a practical application.
He explained to you the basis for calculus, that a finite amount can be divided into an infinite amount of parcels. Now find the area under the curve x^2 from 1-3,
 

step.eng69

All-American
Nov 7, 2012
3,791
5,197
113
He explained to you the basis for calculus, that a finite amount can be divided into an infinite amount of parcels. Now find the area under the curve x^2 from 1-3,

I am not doing any f*cking math. That’s Jim’s thing.
🤣

 
  • Like
Reactions: LionsAndBears

BobPSU92

Heisman
Aug 22, 2001
45,374
37,521
113
#subjectlinesmatter

Euclid proved that if S is any finite set of prime numbers then there is some prime number p which is not contained in S. Ergo, there are infinitely many primes. Nice proof, easy to understand.

Now:
8, 9, 10 are three consecutive non-primes.

32, 33, 34, 35, 36 are five consecutive non-primes.

212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218 are seven consecutive non-primes.

It’s an easy algorithm. To illustrate by using the last example, multiply 2, 3, 5, and 7 together to get 210 and then add 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 in succession to 210. 212 is divisible by 2, 213 by 3, 214 by 2, 215 by 5, 216 by 2, 217 by 7, 218 by 2. So, all non-primes.

So if you take any prime p, you can find a run of p consecutive non-primes. Since there are infinitely many primes, if X is the number of seconds from the Big Bang (13 billion years ago) to the moment I post this, you can find a run of X consecutive non-primes. Every second since the Big Bang, start with a non-prime the next number is itself a non prime. And there are infinitely many primes coming up afterwards. That blows my mind. Infinity is big.

YMMV. Thanks for indulging me. Now, off to the gym!

Stop making stuff up.
 

LionJim

Heisman
Oct 12, 2021
16,427
22,608
113
I need a practical application.
So did both Heisenberg and Feynman, they would have been great mathematicians but kept asking where the applications were. No mathematician worth his salt asks that question.

Here’s an easy-to-explain open problem: the Twin Primes Conjecture. There are infinitely many prime numbers, as we have known for 2300 years. Twin primes are pairs p and p+2 which are both prime. For example, 3 & 5, 5 & 7, 11 & 13, 17 & 19, 29 & 31, you get the idea. Question: are there infinitely many pairs of twin primes? Nobody knows, and every single day someone is trying to prove it one way or the other. Zero practical applications that I can think of.
 

Midnighter

Heisman
Jan 22, 2021
12,670
21,076
113
So did both Heisenberg and Feynman, they would have been great mathematicians but kept asking where the applications were. No mathematician worth his salt asks that question.

Here’s an easy-to-explain open problem: the Twin Primes Conjecture. There are infinitely many prime numbers, as we have known for 2300 years. Twin primes are pairs p and p+2 which are both prime. For example, 3 & 5, 5 & 7, 11 & 13, 17 & 19, 29 & 31, you get the idea. Question: are there infinitely many pairs of twin primes? Nobody knows, and every single day someone is trying to prove it one way or the other. Zero practical applications that I can think of.

schitts creek comedy GIF by CBC
 

CVLion

All-Conference
Oct 13, 2021
1,140
2,336
113
Every second since the Big Bang, start with a non-prime the next number is itself a non prime. And there are infinitely many primes coming up afterwards. That blows my mind. Infinity is big.

Others here may be underwhelmed, but I find this absolutely wild.

It makes me feel even smaller and more insignificant than does this classic:

 

PSU Mike

All-American
Jul 28, 2001
4,685
8,233
113
#subjectlinesmatter

Euclid proved that if S is any finite set of prime numbers then there is some prime number p which is not contained in S. Ergo, there are infinitely many primes. Nice proof, easy to understand.

Now:
8, 9, 10 are three consecutive non-primes.

32, 33, 34, 35, 36 are five consecutive non-primes.

212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218 are seven consecutive non-primes.

It’s an easy algorithm. To illustrate by using the last example, multiply 2, 3, 5, and 7 together to get 210 and then add 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 in succession to 210. 212 is divisible by 2, 213 by 3, 214 by 2, 215 by 5, 216 by 2, 217 by 7, 218 by 2. So, all non-primes.

So if you take any prime p, you can find a run of p consecutive non-primes. Since there are infinitely many primes, if X is the number of seconds from the Big Bang (13 billion years ago) to the moment I post this, you can find a run of X consecutive non-primes. Every second since the Big Bang, start with a non-prime the next number is itself a non prime. And there are infinitely many primes coming up afterwards. That blows my mind. Infinity is big.

YMMV. Thanks for indulging me. Now, off to the gym!
Wait, is the practical application here a perfect prediction that BGJ would have never again beaten tOSU?
 
  • Haha
  • Like
Reactions: Tgar and LionJim

PSU Mike

All-American
Jul 28, 2001
4,685
8,233
113
I love the passion here but what makes this exciting? Genuinely curious. Is it to suggest how big infinity is? I recall one day in class my teacher said ‘how much space is there in an inch?’, and then went on to explain to you cut an inch into an infinite number of halves. That was when I realized I have no need for theoretical math concepts. I need a practical application.
Ok. That means that nobody in the office ever has to make a new pot of coffee because as it gets close to empty the next person only takes half of what’s left.
 
Sep 10, 2013
18,360
13,387
113
And 30 pissed neighbors after. (1.5 acre lots help a bit)
Funny you say that, I just installed a DINAN midpipe and evolution crossover. Let’s just say when I leave at 6am I’ll be starting it with the garage door shut
 
Last edited:

step.eng69

All-American
Nov 7, 2012
3,791
5,197
113
That's creepy Step.
Creepy is as creepy does.

Physical traits: unusual or exaggerated facial features, intense or unbroken eye contact, greasy or unkempt hair, pale skin, bulging eyes, long fingers, or dirty clothing...........my current profile working from home.
 

uh-Clem

Sophomore
Jul 31, 2022
80
124
33
#subjectlinesmatter

Euclid proved that if S is any finite set of prime numbers then there is some prime number p which is not contained in S. Ergo, there are infinitely many primes. Nice proof, easy to understand.

Now:
8, 9, 10 are three consecutive non-primes.

32, 33, 34, 35, 36 are five consecutive non-primes.

212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218 are seven consecutive non-primes.

It’s an easy algorithm. To illustrate by using the last example, multiply 2, 3, 5, and 7 together to get 210 and then add 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 in succession to 210. 212 is divisible by 2, 213 by 3, 214 by 2, 215 by 5, 216 by 2, 217 by 7, 218 by 2. So, all non-primes.

So if you take any prime p, you can find a run of p consecutive non-primes. Since there are infinitely many primes, if X is the number of seconds from the Big Bang (13 billion years ago) to the moment I post this, you can find a run of X consecutive non-primes. Every second since the Big Bang, start with a non-prime the next number is itself a non prime. And there are infinitely many primes coming up afterwards. That blows my mind. Infinity is big.

YMMV. Thanks for indulging me. Now, off to the gym!
Thanks for reminding me why I was a Liberal Arts major, Jim.
 

Leo Ridens

Sophomore
Oct 12, 2021
91
176
33
So did both Heisenberg and Feynman, they would have been great mathematicians but kept asking where the applications were. No mathematician worth his salt asks that question.
LionJim, I appreciate the "purity" of mathematics, and the gerneral approach of mathematicians, but you must admit that physicists sometimes create new areas of mathematics by pursuing physics. Newton and calculus are well known to everyone, but more recently, string theory opened new areas of mathematics unforeseen by "pure" mathematicians, and theoretical physicist Edward Witten won the Fields Medal in 1990 for his groundbreaking mathematics. Give us poor physicists some small crumb of credit where due, OK? ;)
 
BWI

Latest

  1. 01 BWI Football Penn State-Wisconsin Wednesday availability reports takeaways; see the full list here
  2. 02 BWI How much time will Penn State receiver Koby Howard miss? He's offering a potential target date to return on social media
  3. 03 BWI Recruiting Where does Penn State stand with Pennsylvania's Top 10 2028 prospects?
  4. 04 BWI Football Wednesday Penn State notebook: Koby Howard out, Will Thompkins done for season
  5. 05 BWI Football How will Penn State move forward on offense following Koby Howard's injury? 'It's kind of the next man up mentality'