In mathematics, a prime number is defined as a natural number greater than 1 that cannot be formed by multiplying two smaller natural numbers. To answer the question about three prime numbers that equal 18, we need to understand that prime numbers cannot be combined to reach a total unless a repeating number is allowed, as the only even prime number is 2.
To find three prime numbers that add up to 18, we can try combinations:
- 2 + 2 + 14 (14 is not a prime)
- 2 + 3 + 13 (adds up to 18)
- 2 + 5 + 11 (adds up to 18)
Thus, some combinations include 2, 3, 13 and 2, 5, 11. It’s important to note there are no three distinct prime numbers that add up to 18, as one of them must be 2, the only even prime number.