where p is prime. Not all Mersenne numbers are prime. For instance, primes are generated when p = 2, 3, 5, 7,
3, 7, 31, 127, 2047, 8191
2047 = 23 x 89 is not prime.
Saturday 4 June 2011
Mersenne primes
The search for prime numbers has been a constant endeavour for curious minds since ancient times. For centuries, mathematicians have been trying, in vain, to find a formula that generates prime numbers. Mersenne primes are prime numbers of the form
where p is prime. Not all Mersenne numbers are prime. For instance, primes are generated when p = 2, 3, 5, 7,11, 13:
2047 = 23 x 89 is not prime.
where p is prime. Not all Mersenne numbers are prime. For instance, primes are generated when p = 2, 3, 5, 7,
2047 = 23 x 89 is not prime.
