The first five prime numbers are 2, 3, 5, 7, and 11.
A prime number is defined as a natural number greater than 1 that cannot be formed by multiplying two smaller natural numbers. In other words, a prime number has exactly two distinct positive divisors: 1 and itself.
To better understand, let’s look at the first five prime numbers:
- 2: This is the smallest prime number and the only even prime number. It can only be divided by 1 and 2.
- 3: The next prime number, which can only be divided by 1 and 3.
- 5: This number is a prime because it has no divisors other than 1 and 5.
- 7: Another prime, it can only be divided by 1 and 7.
- 11: Finally, this number is prime because its only divisors are 1 and 11.
These primes form the foundation for number theory and are crucial in various fields such as mathematics, computer science, and cryptography.