Funky definitions of prime number

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This article lists some definitions of prime number.

Definitions in terms of arithmetic functions

Divisor count function

A natural number n is prime if and only if σ0(n)=2 where σ0 is the divisor count function.

Divisor sum function

A natural number n is prime if and only if σ(n)=n+1, where σ is the divisor sum function.

Divisor power sum function

For any k, a natural number n is prime if and only if σ(n)=nk+1, where σk is the kth divisor power sum function.

Euler phi-function

A natural number n is prime if and only if φ(n)=n1, where φ is the Euler phi-function.

Dedekind psi-function

A natural number n is prime if and only if ψ(n)=n+1, where ψ is the Dedekind psi-function.

von Mangoldt function

A natural number n is prime if and only if n>1 and Λ(n)=logn where Λ is the von Mangoldt function.

In terms of facts true for prime numbers

Wilson's theorem

A natural number n is prime if and only if n>1 and (n1)!1(modn).

In algebraic terms

Groups

A natural number n is prime if and only if it satisfies the following equivalent conditions:

  • The subgroup nZ is a maximal subgroup in the group of integers.
  • The group of integers modulo n is a simple group.

Rings and fields

A nautral number n is prime if and only if it satisfies the following equivalent conditions:

  • The ideal nZ is a maximal ideal in the ring of integers.
  • The ring of integers modulo n is a field.

In terms of primality tests

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