Math Problem Statement
Find all positive integers $n$ such that $n$, $n+2$, and $n+4$ are all prime.
Solution
We are tasked with finding all positive integers such that , , and are all prime numbers. These three numbers form what is known as a "prime triplet."
Step 1: Analyze properties of prime numbers in this form
Let , , and be prime numbers.
- Since , , and are consecutive odd numbers (because any even greater than 2 would make or even and thus non-prime), we focus on being an odd number.
- If is odd, then one of the numbers in , , and must be divisible by 3. This is because every third integer is divisible by 3.
Step 2: Check divisibility by 3
We now consider the three cases for divisibility by 3:
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Case 1: is divisible by 3. Then (since 3 is the only prime divisible by 3). In this case, we check and , which are both prime. Thus, works.
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Case 2: is divisible by 3. If is divisible by 3 and greater than 3, it cannot be prime. Therefore, there are no solutions in this case.
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Case 3: is divisible by 3. Similarly, if is divisible by 3 and greater than 3, it cannot be prime. Hence, there are no solutions in this case either.
Step 3: Conclusion
The only solution for which all three numbers , , and are prime is when .
Thus, the only positive integer such that , , and are all prime is:
Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are five related questions to expand on this topic:
- Can there be any prime triplets beyond ?
- Why is 3 the only prime divisible by 3?
- Are there other consecutive prime numbers similar to twin primes or prime triplets?
- What are twin primes, and do they follow similar divisibility patterns?
- How can the prime number theorem help in understanding patterns of prime numbers?
Tip: Prime numbers are integers greater than 1 that have no divisors other than 1 and themselves; studying their properties helps in understanding number theory.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Number Theory
Prime Numbers
Divisibility
Formulas
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Theorems
Divisibility Rules
Prime Number Properties
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
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