Math Stumpers

Prime numbers are those integers which have exactly two factors: one and the number itself. Some of the prime numbers are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, and 19 (one is not a prime number). All integers can be uniquely factored into prime numbers.

 

Prove that there are infinitely many prime numbers.

 

Hint: Start by supposing that there are finitely many prime numbers and show that this leads to a contradiction. This type of proof is called reductio ad absurdum.

 

 


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