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Are negative numbers prime?

Published in Prime Numbers 1 min read

No, negative numbers are not prime.

According to the provided reference: "No, there are no negative prime numbers. The definition of a prime number is any number that has no positive divisors other than itself and the number 1. A negative number can not be prime because when it is divided by 1, the result is a another negative number."

Here's why:

  • Definition of Prime Numbers: A prime number is a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself.

  • Negative Divisors: When considering negative numbers, the factors change. For example, consider -3. Its factors are -1, 1, -3, and 3. This violates the "only positive divisors" rule in the definition of a prime.

  • Prime Numbers Must Be Positive: By definition, prime numbers are positive integers.

In summary, negative numbers do not fit the established definition of prime numbers.

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