Find an $n$ for which $(P_1,\dots,P_n)+1$ is not prime

Question

Q.To show that the number $N=(P_1....P_n)+1$ is not always prime (where $P_1,...,P_n$)are the first n primes) , find an n for which $(P_1...P_n)+1$ is not prime

My attempt

since $P_1,...,P_n$are the first n primes so $P_1=2$

so product is even so N is odd number

$N=2k+1$

since odd number {1,3,5,7,9,....} is not always prime so N is not always prime

This proof does not work. You can't get all odd numbers through this procedure. Just because you get an odd number doesn't mean that every odd number appears (you only get a subset). — Michael Burr, Jan 10 '17 at 15:48
Just find a specific example of when $1$ plus the product of the first $n$ primes isn't prime. It's true that this is "not always prime" but what you've written doesn't demonstrate this. — pjs36, Jan 10 '17 at 15:49
Just check the first few cases. You'll find it before very long. — Michael Burr, Jan 10 '17 at 15:50
Yes not all odd numbers are prime, but not all odd numbers are of your form either. Just try small $n$, you'll find a good example. — lulu, Jan 10 '17 at 15:50
It is interesting that the Maple code of this sequence is written by dear Mr. Robert Israel. — Amin235, Jan 10 '17 at 16:34

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Jan 10 '17 at 15:57

1

$2\cdot3\cdot5\cdot7\cdot11\cdot13+1=30,031=59\cdot509$

answered Jan 10 '17 at 15:57

user404127

792
4
7

Dietrich Burde · Answer 2 · 2017-01-10T16:05:49.283

1

The number $N=p_1\cdots p_n+1$ is often prime, for the first $n$ primes $p_i$, but not always. The first example is $$ N=2\cdot 3\cdot 5\cdot 7\cdot 11\cdot 13+1=30031=59\cdot 509. $$ The next one is $$ N=2\cdot 3\cdot 5\cdot 7\cdot 11\cdot 13\cdot 17+1=19 \cdot 97\cdot 277. $$

Edit: We will not obtain all odd numbers by this (as remarked by Michael, and user190080 in his answer, unfortunately deleted now).

edited Jan 10 '17 at 16:05

answered Jan 10 '17 at 15:58

Dietrich Burde

130,978

I just deleted mine and upvoted yours, maybe you could add the information, why the attempt of the OP doesn't work... – user190080 Jan 10 '17 at 16:04

Find an $n$ for which $(P_1,\dots,P_n)+1$ is not prime

2 Answers2