2.1 Prime numbers

Did you know that prime numbers have been studied for thousands of years? Ancient mathematicians, like the Greeks, played a crucial role in uncovering the mysteries of these special numbers. The first known proof that there are infinitely many primes is attributed to the great mathematician Euclid around 300 BC! He showed that no matter how many prime numbers you have, you can always find a larger one by looking at the product of the known primes and adding one. In the real world, prime numbers are more than just math curiosities; they are essential in the field of cryptography! When you send a secure message online, it often relies on the fact that factoring the product of two large prime numbers is extremely difficult. This principle is the backbone of many encryption systems, ensuring that your data remains private and secure in our digital age. So, the next time you send a text, remember—primes are keeping your secrets safe!