Is the next prime number always the next number divisible by the current prime number, except for any numbers...

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Is the next prime number always the next number divisible by the current prime number, except for any numbers previously divisible by primes?


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Is the next prime number always the next number divisible by the current prime number, except for any numbers previously divisible by primes?



E.g. take prime number $7$, squared is $49$. The next numbers not previously divisible by $2,3,5$ are $53,59,61,67,71,73,77$ -i.e. the next number divisible by $7$ is $11 times 7$ - the next prime number times the previous one.



Similarly, take $11$: squared $121$. the next numbers not divisible by $2,3,5,7$ are: $127,131,137,139,143$. i.e. $143$ is the next number divisible by $11$, which is $13 times 11$, $13$ being the next prime in the sequence.



Is this always the case? Can it be that the next prime number in sequence is not neatly divisible by the previous one or has one in between?



Appreciate this may be a silly question, i'm not a mathematician.










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  • 4




    $begingroup$
    Your description is confusing--for instance, if the current prime number is $7$, then "the next number divisible by the current prime number, except for any numbers divisible by primes we already have" would be $77$, which is not the next prime (the next prime is $11$).
    $endgroup$
    – Eric Wofsey
    1 hour ago










  • $begingroup$
    See Sieve of Eratosthenes en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sieve_of_Eratosthenes
    $endgroup$
    – mfl
    1 hour ago










  • $begingroup$
    sorry, i mean that 77 is the next prime, times the previous prime. ill edit to clarify
    $endgroup$
    – David
    1 hour ago










  • $begingroup$
    Welcome to Math Stack Exchange. Are you saying that, if $p_n$ is the $n^{th}$ prime number, then the next composite number after $p_n^2$ not divisible by $p_1,p_2,...,p_{n-1}$ is $p_ntimes p_{n+1}$?
    $endgroup$
    – J. W. Tanner
    1 hour ago












  • $begingroup$
    ... i think so? i was just playing with prime numbers.. and noticed that after each square of the prime number, the next prime number was the next multiple that wasn't divisible by a smaller prime.. so 5x5 = 25, but the numbers not divisible by 2,3 above that are 29,31,35. 35 is 7x5 - i.e. the current prime times the next prime. i checked it held true for 7 and 11 but wondered if it was universal
    $endgroup$
    – David
    1 hour ago
















2












$begingroup$


Is the next prime number always the next number divisible by the current prime number, except for any numbers previously divisible by primes?



E.g. take prime number $7$, squared is $49$. The next numbers not previously divisible by $2,3,5$ are $53,59,61,67,71,73,77$ -i.e. the next number divisible by $7$ is $11 times 7$ - the next prime number times the previous one.



Similarly, take $11$: squared $121$. the next numbers not divisible by $2,3,5,7$ are: $127,131,137,139,143$. i.e. $143$ is the next number divisible by $11$, which is $13 times 11$, $13$ being the next prime in the sequence.



Is this always the case? Can it be that the next prime number in sequence is not neatly divisible by the previous one or has one in between?



Appreciate this may be a silly question, i'm not a mathematician.










share|cite|improve this question









New contributor




David is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.







$endgroup$








  • 4




    $begingroup$
    Your description is confusing--for instance, if the current prime number is $7$, then "the next number divisible by the current prime number, except for any numbers divisible by primes we already have" would be $77$, which is not the next prime (the next prime is $11$).
    $endgroup$
    – Eric Wofsey
    1 hour ago










  • $begingroup$
    See Sieve of Eratosthenes en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sieve_of_Eratosthenes
    $endgroup$
    – mfl
    1 hour ago










  • $begingroup$
    sorry, i mean that 77 is the next prime, times the previous prime. ill edit to clarify
    $endgroup$
    – David
    1 hour ago










  • $begingroup$
    Welcome to Math Stack Exchange. Are you saying that, if $p_n$ is the $n^{th}$ prime number, then the next composite number after $p_n^2$ not divisible by $p_1,p_2,...,p_{n-1}$ is $p_ntimes p_{n+1}$?
    $endgroup$
    – J. W. Tanner
    1 hour ago












  • $begingroup$
    ... i think so? i was just playing with prime numbers.. and noticed that after each square of the prime number, the next prime number was the next multiple that wasn't divisible by a smaller prime.. so 5x5 = 25, but the numbers not divisible by 2,3 above that are 29,31,35. 35 is 7x5 - i.e. the current prime times the next prime. i checked it held true for 7 and 11 but wondered if it was universal
    $endgroup$
    – David
    1 hour ago














2












2








2


1



$begingroup$


Is the next prime number always the next number divisible by the current prime number, except for any numbers previously divisible by primes?



E.g. take prime number $7$, squared is $49$. The next numbers not previously divisible by $2,3,5$ are $53,59,61,67,71,73,77$ -i.e. the next number divisible by $7$ is $11 times 7$ - the next prime number times the previous one.



Similarly, take $11$: squared $121$. the next numbers not divisible by $2,3,5,7$ are: $127,131,137,139,143$. i.e. $143$ is the next number divisible by $11$, which is $13 times 11$, $13$ being the next prime in the sequence.



Is this always the case? Can it be that the next prime number in sequence is not neatly divisible by the previous one or has one in between?



Appreciate this may be a silly question, i'm not a mathematician.










share|cite|improve this question









New contributor




David is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.







$endgroup$




Is the next prime number always the next number divisible by the current prime number, except for any numbers previously divisible by primes?



E.g. take prime number $7$, squared is $49$. The next numbers not previously divisible by $2,3,5$ are $53,59,61,67,71,73,77$ -i.e. the next number divisible by $7$ is $11 times 7$ - the next prime number times the previous one.



Similarly, take $11$: squared $121$. the next numbers not divisible by $2,3,5,7$ are: $127,131,137,139,143$. i.e. $143$ is the next number divisible by $11$, which is $13 times 11$, $13$ being the next prime in the sequence.



Is this always the case? Can it be that the next prime number in sequence is not neatly divisible by the previous one or has one in between?



Appreciate this may be a silly question, i'm not a mathematician.







elementary-number-theory prime-numbers






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New contributor




David is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











share|cite|improve this question









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David is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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edited 56 mins ago









Mr. Brooks

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43411338






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asked 2 hours ago









DavidDavid

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Check out our Code of Conduct.






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  • 4




    $begingroup$
    Your description is confusing--for instance, if the current prime number is $7$, then "the next number divisible by the current prime number, except for any numbers divisible by primes we already have" would be $77$, which is not the next prime (the next prime is $11$).
    $endgroup$
    – Eric Wofsey
    1 hour ago










  • $begingroup$
    See Sieve of Eratosthenes en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sieve_of_Eratosthenes
    $endgroup$
    – mfl
    1 hour ago










  • $begingroup$
    sorry, i mean that 77 is the next prime, times the previous prime. ill edit to clarify
    $endgroup$
    – David
    1 hour ago










  • $begingroup$
    Welcome to Math Stack Exchange. Are you saying that, if $p_n$ is the $n^{th}$ prime number, then the next composite number after $p_n^2$ not divisible by $p_1,p_2,...,p_{n-1}$ is $p_ntimes p_{n+1}$?
    $endgroup$
    – J. W. Tanner
    1 hour ago












  • $begingroup$
    ... i think so? i was just playing with prime numbers.. and noticed that after each square of the prime number, the next prime number was the next multiple that wasn't divisible by a smaller prime.. so 5x5 = 25, but the numbers not divisible by 2,3 above that are 29,31,35. 35 is 7x5 - i.e. the current prime times the next prime. i checked it held true for 7 and 11 but wondered if it was universal
    $endgroup$
    – David
    1 hour ago














  • 4




    $begingroup$
    Your description is confusing--for instance, if the current prime number is $7$, then "the next number divisible by the current prime number, except for any numbers divisible by primes we already have" would be $77$, which is not the next prime (the next prime is $11$).
    $endgroup$
    – Eric Wofsey
    1 hour ago










  • $begingroup$
    See Sieve of Eratosthenes en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sieve_of_Eratosthenes
    $endgroup$
    – mfl
    1 hour ago










  • $begingroup$
    sorry, i mean that 77 is the next prime, times the previous prime. ill edit to clarify
    $endgroup$
    – David
    1 hour ago










  • $begingroup$
    Welcome to Math Stack Exchange. Are you saying that, if $p_n$ is the $n^{th}$ prime number, then the next composite number after $p_n^2$ not divisible by $p_1,p_2,...,p_{n-1}$ is $p_ntimes p_{n+1}$?
    $endgroup$
    – J. W. Tanner
    1 hour ago












  • $begingroup$
    ... i think so? i was just playing with prime numbers.. and noticed that after each square of the prime number, the next prime number was the next multiple that wasn't divisible by a smaller prime.. so 5x5 = 25, but the numbers not divisible by 2,3 above that are 29,31,35. 35 is 7x5 - i.e. the current prime times the next prime. i checked it held true for 7 and 11 but wondered if it was universal
    $endgroup$
    – David
    1 hour ago








4




4




$begingroup$
Your description is confusing--for instance, if the current prime number is $7$, then "the next number divisible by the current prime number, except for any numbers divisible by primes we already have" would be $77$, which is not the next prime (the next prime is $11$).
$endgroup$
– Eric Wofsey
1 hour ago




$begingroup$
Your description is confusing--for instance, if the current prime number is $7$, then "the next number divisible by the current prime number, except for any numbers divisible by primes we already have" would be $77$, which is not the next prime (the next prime is $11$).
$endgroup$
– Eric Wofsey
1 hour ago












$begingroup$
See Sieve of Eratosthenes en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sieve_of_Eratosthenes
$endgroup$
– mfl
1 hour ago




$begingroup$
See Sieve of Eratosthenes en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sieve_of_Eratosthenes
$endgroup$
– mfl
1 hour ago












$begingroup$
sorry, i mean that 77 is the next prime, times the previous prime. ill edit to clarify
$endgroup$
– David
1 hour ago




$begingroup$
sorry, i mean that 77 is the next prime, times the previous prime. ill edit to clarify
$endgroup$
– David
1 hour ago












$begingroup$
Welcome to Math Stack Exchange. Are you saying that, if $p_n$ is the $n^{th}$ prime number, then the next composite number after $p_n^2$ not divisible by $p_1,p_2,...,p_{n-1}$ is $p_ntimes p_{n+1}$?
$endgroup$
– J. W. Tanner
1 hour ago






$begingroup$
Welcome to Math Stack Exchange. Are you saying that, if $p_n$ is the $n^{th}$ prime number, then the next composite number after $p_n^2$ not divisible by $p_1,p_2,...,p_{n-1}$ is $p_ntimes p_{n+1}$?
$endgroup$
– J. W. Tanner
1 hour ago














$begingroup$
... i think so? i was just playing with prime numbers.. and noticed that after each square of the prime number, the next prime number was the next multiple that wasn't divisible by a smaller prime.. so 5x5 = 25, but the numbers not divisible by 2,3 above that are 29,31,35. 35 is 7x5 - i.e. the current prime times the next prime. i checked it held true for 7 and 11 but wondered if it was universal
$endgroup$
– David
1 hour ago




$begingroup$
... i think so? i was just playing with prime numbers.. and noticed that after each square of the prime number, the next prime number was the next multiple that wasn't divisible by a smaller prime.. so 5x5 = 25, but the numbers not divisible by 2,3 above that are 29,31,35. 35 is 7x5 - i.e. the current prime times the next prime. i checked it held true for 7 and 11 but wondered if it was universal
$endgroup$
– David
1 hour ago










2 Answers
2






active

oldest

votes


















2












$begingroup$

Think of it this way. Let $p_k$ be the $k$ prime. Let $n$ be the first composite number greater than $p_k$ so that $n$ is not divisible by $p_1,..., p_{k-1}$.



Claim: $n = p_kcdot p_{k+1}$.



Pf:



What else could it be? $n$ must have a prime factors. And those prime factor must be greater the $p_{k+1}$. The smallest number with at least two prime factors all bigger than $p_{k-1}$ must be $p_{k}cdot p_{k+1}$ because $p_k, p_{k+1}$ are the smallest choices for prime factors and the fewer prime factors the smaller the number will be.



so $n= p_kp_{k+1}$ IF $n$ has at least two prime factors.



So if $nne p_kp_{k+1}$ then 1) $n le p_kp_{k+1}$ and 2) $n$ has only one prime factor so $n=q^m$ for some prime $q$ and integer $m$.



If so, then $q ge p_{k+1}$ then $q^m ge p_{k+1}^mge p_{k+1}^2 > p_k*p_{k+1}$ which is a contradiction so $q= p_k$ and $n = p_k^m > p_k^2$. As $n$ is the smallest possible number, $n = p_k^3$ and $p_k^3 < p_k*p_{k+1}$.



That would mean $p_k^2 < p_{k+1}$.



This is impossible by Bertrands postulate.



So indeed the next composite number not divisible by $p_1,..., p_{k-1}$ larger than $p_k^2$ is $p_kp_{k+1}$.






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$endgroup$













  • $begingroup$
    gotcha. its like a numerical logical tautology. wish I could mark both correct. no disrespect to eric who also had a good answer and got there first, but this one i understood a bit easier.
    $endgroup$
    – David
    46 mins ago












  • $begingroup$
    Actually on reading eric's it seems we really more or less have the same answer.
    $endgroup$
    – fleablood
    29 mins ago










  • $begingroup$
    yes, i just meant i personally found your phrasing a little easier to understand, not being a mathematician, but both are good answers
    $endgroup$
    – David
    15 mins ago



















4












$begingroup$

Yes. First let me clarify what you are trying to say. Suppose we have a prime number $p$, and consider the smallest integer $n$ greater than $p^2$ which is a multiple of $p$ but which is not divisible by any prime less than $p$. The pattern you are observing is then that $n/p$ is the smallest prime number greater than $p$.



This is indeed true in general. To prove it, note that the multiples of $p$ are just numbers of the form $ap$ where $a$ is an integer. So in finding the smallest such multiple $n$ which is not divisible by any primes less than $p$, you are just finding the smallest integer $a>p$ which is not divisible by any prime less than $p$ and setting $n=ap$. Every prime factor of this $a$ is greater than or equal to $p$. Let us first suppose that $a$ has a prime factor $q$ which is greater than $p$. Then by minimality of $a$, we must have $a=q$ (otherwise $q$ would be a smaller candidate for $a$). Moreover, by minimality $a$ must be the smallest prime greater than $p$ (any smaller such prime would be a smaller candidate for $a$). So, $a=n/p$ is indeed the smallest prime greater than $p$.



The remaining case is that $a$ has no prime factors greater than $p$, which means $p$ is its only prime factor. That is, $a$ is a power of $p$. Then $ageq p^2$ (and in fact $a=p^2$ by minimality). As before, $a$ must be less than any prime greater than $p$ by minimality. This means there are no prime numbers $q$ such that $p<q<p^2$. However, this is impossible, for instance by Bertrand's postulate (or see There is a prime between $n$ and $n^2$, without Bertrand for a simpler direct proof).






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    2 Answers
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    2 Answers
    2






    active

    oldest

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    active

    oldest

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    active

    oldest

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    2












    $begingroup$

    Think of it this way. Let $p_k$ be the $k$ prime. Let $n$ be the first composite number greater than $p_k$ so that $n$ is not divisible by $p_1,..., p_{k-1}$.



    Claim: $n = p_kcdot p_{k+1}$.



    Pf:



    What else could it be? $n$ must have a prime factors. And those prime factor must be greater the $p_{k+1}$. The smallest number with at least two prime factors all bigger than $p_{k-1}$ must be $p_{k}cdot p_{k+1}$ because $p_k, p_{k+1}$ are the smallest choices for prime factors and the fewer prime factors the smaller the number will be.



    so $n= p_kp_{k+1}$ IF $n$ has at least two prime factors.



    So if $nne p_kp_{k+1}$ then 1) $n le p_kp_{k+1}$ and 2) $n$ has only one prime factor so $n=q^m$ for some prime $q$ and integer $m$.



    If so, then $q ge p_{k+1}$ then $q^m ge p_{k+1}^mge p_{k+1}^2 > p_k*p_{k+1}$ which is a contradiction so $q= p_k$ and $n = p_k^m > p_k^2$. As $n$ is the smallest possible number, $n = p_k^3$ and $p_k^3 < p_k*p_{k+1}$.



    That would mean $p_k^2 < p_{k+1}$.



    This is impossible by Bertrands postulate.



    So indeed the next composite number not divisible by $p_1,..., p_{k-1}$ larger than $p_k^2$ is $p_kp_{k+1}$.






    share|cite|improve this answer









    $endgroup$













    • $begingroup$
      gotcha. its like a numerical logical tautology. wish I could mark both correct. no disrespect to eric who also had a good answer and got there first, but this one i understood a bit easier.
      $endgroup$
      – David
      46 mins ago












    • $begingroup$
      Actually on reading eric's it seems we really more or less have the same answer.
      $endgroup$
      – fleablood
      29 mins ago










    • $begingroup$
      yes, i just meant i personally found your phrasing a little easier to understand, not being a mathematician, but both are good answers
      $endgroup$
      – David
      15 mins ago
















    2












    $begingroup$

    Think of it this way. Let $p_k$ be the $k$ prime. Let $n$ be the first composite number greater than $p_k$ so that $n$ is not divisible by $p_1,..., p_{k-1}$.



    Claim: $n = p_kcdot p_{k+1}$.



    Pf:



    What else could it be? $n$ must have a prime factors. And those prime factor must be greater the $p_{k+1}$. The smallest number with at least two prime factors all bigger than $p_{k-1}$ must be $p_{k}cdot p_{k+1}$ because $p_k, p_{k+1}$ are the smallest choices for prime factors and the fewer prime factors the smaller the number will be.



    so $n= p_kp_{k+1}$ IF $n$ has at least two prime factors.



    So if $nne p_kp_{k+1}$ then 1) $n le p_kp_{k+1}$ and 2) $n$ has only one prime factor so $n=q^m$ for some prime $q$ and integer $m$.



    If so, then $q ge p_{k+1}$ then $q^m ge p_{k+1}^mge p_{k+1}^2 > p_k*p_{k+1}$ which is a contradiction so $q= p_k$ and $n = p_k^m > p_k^2$. As $n$ is the smallest possible number, $n = p_k^3$ and $p_k^3 < p_k*p_{k+1}$.



    That would mean $p_k^2 < p_{k+1}$.



    This is impossible by Bertrands postulate.



    So indeed the next composite number not divisible by $p_1,..., p_{k-1}$ larger than $p_k^2$ is $p_kp_{k+1}$.






    share|cite|improve this answer









    $endgroup$













    • $begingroup$
      gotcha. its like a numerical logical tautology. wish I could mark both correct. no disrespect to eric who also had a good answer and got there first, but this one i understood a bit easier.
      $endgroup$
      – David
      46 mins ago












    • $begingroup$
      Actually on reading eric's it seems we really more or less have the same answer.
      $endgroup$
      – fleablood
      29 mins ago










    • $begingroup$
      yes, i just meant i personally found your phrasing a little easier to understand, not being a mathematician, but both are good answers
      $endgroup$
      – David
      15 mins ago














    2












    2








    2





    $begingroup$

    Think of it this way. Let $p_k$ be the $k$ prime. Let $n$ be the first composite number greater than $p_k$ so that $n$ is not divisible by $p_1,..., p_{k-1}$.



    Claim: $n = p_kcdot p_{k+1}$.



    Pf:



    What else could it be? $n$ must have a prime factors. And those prime factor must be greater the $p_{k+1}$. The smallest number with at least two prime factors all bigger than $p_{k-1}$ must be $p_{k}cdot p_{k+1}$ because $p_k, p_{k+1}$ are the smallest choices for prime factors and the fewer prime factors the smaller the number will be.



    so $n= p_kp_{k+1}$ IF $n$ has at least two prime factors.



    So if $nne p_kp_{k+1}$ then 1) $n le p_kp_{k+1}$ and 2) $n$ has only one prime factor so $n=q^m$ for some prime $q$ and integer $m$.



    If so, then $q ge p_{k+1}$ then $q^m ge p_{k+1}^mge p_{k+1}^2 > p_k*p_{k+1}$ which is a contradiction so $q= p_k$ and $n = p_k^m > p_k^2$. As $n$ is the smallest possible number, $n = p_k^3$ and $p_k^3 < p_k*p_{k+1}$.



    That would mean $p_k^2 < p_{k+1}$.



    This is impossible by Bertrands postulate.



    So indeed the next composite number not divisible by $p_1,..., p_{k-1}$ larger than $p_k^2$ is $p_kp_{k+1}$.






    share|cite|improve this answer









    $endgroup$



    Think of it this way. Let $p_k$ be the $k$ prime. Let $n$ be the first composite number greater than $p_k$ so that $n$ is not divisible by $p_1,..., p_{k-1}$.



    Claim: $n = p_kcdot p_{k+1}$.



    Pf:



    What else could it be? $n$ must have a prime factors. And those prime factor must be greater the $p_{k+1}$. The smallest number with at least two prime factors all bigger than $p_{k-1}$ must be $p_{k}cdot p_{k+1}$ because $p_k, p_{k+1}$ are the smallest choices for prime factors and the fewer prime factors the smaller the number will be.



    so $n= p_kp_{k+1}$ IF $n$ has at least two prime factors.



    So if $nne p_kp_{k+1}$ then 1) $n le p_kp_{k+1}$ and 2) $n$ has only one prime factor so $n=q^m$ for some prime $q$ and integer $m$.



    If so, then $q ge p_{k+1}$ then $q^m ge p_{k+1}^mge p_{k+1}^2 > p_k*p_{k+1}$ which is a contradiction so $q= p_k$ and $n = p_k^m > p_k^2$. As $n$ is the smallest possible number, $n = p_k^3$ and $p_k^3 < p_k*p_{k+1}$.



    That would mean $p_k^2 < p_{k+1}$.



    This is impossible by Bertrands postulate.



    So indeed the next composite number not divisible by $p_1,..., p_{k-1}$ larger than $p_k^2$ is $p_kp_{k+1}$.







    share|cite|improve this answer












    share|cite|improve this answer



    share|cite|improve this answer










    answered 57 mins ago









    fleabloodfleablood

    73.4k22791




    73.4k22791












    • $begingroup$
      gotcha. its like a numerical logical tautology. wish I could mark both correct. no disrespect to eric who also had a good answer and got there first, but this one i understood a bit easier.
      $endgroup$
      – David
      46 mins ago












    • $begingroup$
      Actually on reading eric's it seems we really more or less have the same answer.
      $endgroup$
      – fleablood
      29 mins ago










    • $begingroup$
      yes, i just meant i personally found your phrasing a little easier to understand, not being a mathematician, but both are good answers
      $endgroup$
      – David
      15 mins ago


















    • $begingroup$
      gotcha. its like a numerical logical tautology. wish I could mark both correct. no disrespect to eric who also had a good answer and got there first, but this one i understood a bit easier.
      $endgroup$
      – David
      46 mins ago












    • $begingroup$
      Actually on reading eric's it seems we really more or less have the same answer.
      $endgroup$
      – fleablood
      29 mins ago










    • $begingroup$
      yes, i just meant i personally found your phrasing a little easier to understand, not being a mathematician, but both are good answers
      $endgroup$
      – David
      15 mins ago
















    $begingroup$
    gotcha. its like a numerical logical tautology. wish I could mark both correct. no disrespect to eric who also had a good answer and got there first, but this one i understood a bit easier.
    $endgroup$
    – David
    46 mins ago






    $begingroup$
    gotcha. its like a numerical logical tautology. wish I could mark both correct. no disrespect to eric who also had a good answer and got there first, but this one i understood a bit easier.
    $endgroup$
    – David
    46 mins ago














    $begingroup$
    Actually on reading eric's it seems we really more or less have the same answer.
    $endgroup$
    – fleablood
    29 mins ago




    $begingroup$
    Actually on reading eric's it seems we really more or less have the same answer.
    $endgroup$
    – fleablood
    29 mins ago












    $begingroup$
    yes, i just meant i personally found your phrasing a little easier to understand, not being a mathematician, but both are good answers
    $endgroup$
    – David
    15 mins ago




    $begingroup$
    yes, i just meant i personally found your phrasing a little easier to understand, not being a mathematician, but both are good answers
    $endgroup$
    – David
    15 mins ago











    4












    $begingroup$

    Yes. First let me clarify what you are trying to say. Suppose we have a prime number $p$, and consider the smallest integer $n$ greater than $p^2$ which is a multiple of $p$ but which is not divisible by any prime less than $p$. The pattern you are observing is then that $n/p$ is the smallest prime number greater than $p$.



    This is indeed true in general. To prove it, note that the multiples of $p$ are just numbers of the form $ap$ where $a$ is an integer. So in finding the smallest such multiple $n$ which is not divisible by any primes less than $p$, you are just finding the smallest integer $a>p$ which is not divisible by any prime less than $p$ and setting $n=ap$. Every prime factor of this $a$ is greater than or equal to $p$. Let us first suppose that $a$ has a prime factor $q$ which is greater than $p$. Then by minimality of $a$, we must have $a=q$ (otherwise $q$ would be a smaller candidate for $a$). Moreover, by minimality $a$ must be the smallest prime greater than $p$ (any smaller such prime would be a smaller candidate for $a$). So, $a=n/p$ is indeed the smallest prime greater than $p$.



    The remaining case is that $a$ has no prime factors greater than $p$, which means $p$ is its only prime factor. That is, $a$ is a power of $p$. Then $ageq p^2$ (and in fact $a=p^2$ by minimality). As before, $a$ must be less than any prime greater than $p$ by minimality. This means there are no prime numbers $q$ such that $p<q<p^2$. However, this is impossible, for instance by Bertrand's postulate (or see There is a prime between $n$ and $n^2$, without Bertrand for a simpler direct proof).






    share|cite|improve this answer











    $endgroup$


















      4












      $begingroup$

      Yes. First let me clarify what you are trying to say. Suppose we have a prime number $p$, and consider the smallest integer $n$ greater than $p^2$ which is a multiple of $p$ but which is not divisible by any prime less than $p$. The pattern you are observing is then that $n/p$ is the smallest prime number greater than $p$.



      This is indeed true in general. To prove it, note that the multiples of $p$ are just numbers of the form $ap$ where $a$ is an integer. So in finding the smallest such multiple $n$ which is not divisible by any primes less than $p$, you are just finding the smallest integer $a>p$ which is not divisible by any prime less than $p$ and setting $n=ap$. Every prime factor of this $a$ is greater than or equal to $p$. Let us first suppose that $a$ has a prime factor $q$ which is greater than $p$. Then by minimality of $a$, we must have $a=q$ (otherwise $q$ would be a smaller candidate for $a$). Moreover, by minimality $a$ must be the smallest prime greater than $p$ (any smaller such prime would be a smaller candidate for $a$). So, $a=n/p$ is indeed the smallest prime greater than $p$.



      The remaining case is that $a$ has no prime factors greater than $p$, which means $p$ is its only prime factor. That is, $a$ is a power of $p$. Then $ageq p^2$ (and in fact $a=p^2$ by minimality). As before, $a$ must be less than any prime greater than $p$ by minimality. This means there are no prime numbers $q$ such that $p<q<p^2$. However, this is impossible, for instance by Bertrand's postulate (or see There is a prime between $n$ and $n^2$, without Bertrand for a simpler direct proof).






      share|cite|improve this answer











      $endgroup$
















        4












        4








        4





        $begingroup$

        Yes. First let me clarify what you are trying to say. Suppose we have a prime number $p$, and consider the smallest integer $n$ greater than $p^2$ which is a multiple of $p$ but which is not divisible by any prime less than $p$. The pattern you are observing is then that $n/p$ is the smallest prime number greater than $p$.



        This is indeed true in general. To prove it, note that the multiples of $p$ are just numbers of the form $ap$ where $a$ is an integer. So in finding the smallest such multiple $n$ which is not divisible by any primes less than $p$, you are just finding the smallest integer $a>p$ which is not divisible by any prime less than $p$ and setting $n=ap$. Every prime factor of this $a$ is greater than or equal to $p$. Let us first suppose that $a$ has a prime factor $q$ which is greater than $p$. Then by minimality of $a$, we must have $a=q$ (otherwise $q$ would be a smaller candidate for $a$). Moreover, by minimality $a$ must be the smallest prime greater than $p$ (any smaller such prime would be a smaller candidate for $a$). So, $a=n/p$ is indeed the smallest prime greater than $p$.



        The remaining case is that $a$ has no prime factors greater than $p$, which means $p$ is its only prime factor. That is, $a$ is a power of $p$. Then $ageq p^2$ (and in fact $a=p^2$ by minimality). As before, $a$ must be less than any prime greater than $p$ by minimality. This means there are no prime numbers $q$ such that $p<q<p^2$. However, this is impossible, for instance by Bertrand's postulate (or see There is a prime between $n$ and $n^2$, without Bertrand for a simpler direct proof).






        share|cite|improve this answer











        $endgroup$



        Yes. First let me clarify what you are trying to say. Suppose we have a prime number $p$, and consider the smallest integer $n$ greater than $p^2$ which is a multiple of $p$ but which is not divisible by any prime less than $p$. The pattern you are observing is then that $n/p$ is the smallest prime number greater than $p$.



        This is indeed true in general. To prove it, note that the multiples of $p$ are just numbers of the form $ap$ where $a$ is an integer. So in finding the smallest such multiple $n$ which is not divisible by any primes less than $p$, you are just finding the smallest integer $a>p$ which is not divisible by any prime less than $p$ and setting $n=ap$. Every prime factor of this $a$ is greater than or equal to $p$. Let us first suppose that $a$ has a prime factor $q$ which is greater than $p$. Then by minimality of $a$, we must have $a=q$ (otherwise $q$ would be a smaller candidate for $a$). Moreover, by minimality $a$ must be the smallest prime greater than $p$ (any smaller such prime would be a smaller candidate for $a$). So, $a=n/p$ is indeed the smallest prime greater than $p$.



        The remaining case is that $a$ has no prime factors greater than $p$, which means $p$ is its only prime factor. That is, $a$ is a power of $p$. Then $ageq p^2$ (and in fact $a=p^2$ by minimality). As before, $a$ must be less than any prime greater than $p$ by minimality. This means there are no prime numbers $q$ such that $p<q<p^2$. However, this is impossible, for instance by Bertrand's postulate (or see There is a prime between $n$ and $n^2$, without Bertrand for a simpler direct proof).







        share|cite|improve this answer














        share|cite|improve this answer



        share|cite|improve this answer








        edited 1 hour ago

























        answered 1 hour ago









        Eric WofseyEric Wofsey

        190k14216348




        190k14216348






















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