Understanding the Discovery of the Largest Prime Number

Matt Parker discusses the discovery of a new world record Mersenne prime number, 2^74,207,281-1, which has over 22 million digits. He explains the process of printing this massive number and highlights the achievement of Professor Curtis Cooper, who found the prime using 800 computers at the University of Central Missouri. Parker describes the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS) project, which allows anyone to participate in finding large primes by running software on their computers. The video also touches on the history of prime number discovery and the Lucas-Lehmer sequence used in verifying Mersenne primes.

What is the new world record prime number mentioned in the video?

• 2 to the power of 74,207,281 minus 1

• 2 to the power of 74,207,280 plus 1

• 2 to the power of 74,207,280 minus 1

• 2 to the power of 74,207,281 plus 1

How many digits does the new largest prime number have?

• Over 22 million digits

• Over 17 million digits

• Over 20 million digits

• Over 25 million digits

Why is printing the new prime number significant?

• It is a tradition in mathematics.

• It is required for official recognition.

• It helps in verifying the number's accuracy.

• It allows people to physically hold a large mathematical discovery.

What is a common hobby for mathematicians mentioned in the video?

• Solving algebraic equations

• Finding prime numbers

• Calculating pi

• Studying geometry

Who holds the new world record for the largest prime number?

• Professor Curtis Cooper

• Professor Matt Parker

• Professor Tony

• Professor Brady Haran

What is required for a number to be officially recognized as a world record prime?

• It must be seen by a human.

• It must be announced publicly.

• It must be printed.

• It must be verified by a computer.

What is the role of software in finding large prime numbers?

• It checks candidate numbers for primality.

• It prints the numbers.

• It announces the discovery.

• It calculates the number of digits.

What is Curtis Cooper's secret to discovering multiple large primes?

• Manually calculating primes

• Using 800 desktop computers

• Using a supercomputer

• Collaborating with other universities

What does GIMPS stand for?

• Grand Internet Mersenne Prime Search

• General Internet Mersenne Prime Search

• Global Internet Mersenne Prime Search

• Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search

What happens when a computer finds a prime number?

• It stops running the software.

• It announces the discovery.

• It prints the number.

• It sends the result to a server.