Prime Pairs riddle

923.0K Views

Pairs of primes numbers separated by a single number are called prime pairs like 17 and 19. Prove that the number between a prime pair is always divisible by 6 (assuming both numbers in the pair are greater than 6).

Share
Add Comment

  • 1 Answer(s)

    Suppose we have 3 consecutive numbers A, B and C where A and C are prime.
    Because A and C are primes they are also odd, if they were even they could be divided by two and wouldn’t be prime. This also means that B is even.
    Suppose X is the largest multiple of 3 less than A. There could be two possibilities for A: A is X+1 or A is X+2. (If A is X+3, a could be divided by 3 and wouldn’t be prime)
    If A is X+1 than B is X+2 and C is X+3. If C is X+3 it can be divided by 3 and wouldn’t be prime so A isn’t X+1.
    Which means that A is X+2, B is X+3 and C is X+4. And if B is X+3, B can be divided by 3.
    So B can be divided by 2 (even) and by 3, and any number that can be divided by 2 and by 3 can also be divided by 6.

    CugelTheWise Expert Answered on 24th September 2018.
    Add Comment
  • Your Answer

    By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.
  • More puzzles to try-