Prime Number Theorem

In number theory, the prime number theorem (PNT) describes the asymptotic distribution of the prime numbers. The prime number theorem gives a general description of how the primes are distributed amongst the positive integers.

Informally speaking, the prime number theorem states that if a random integer is selected in the range of zero to some large integer N, the probability that the selected integer is prime is about 1 / ln(N), where ln(N) is the natural logarithm of N. For example, among the positive integers up to and including N = 103 about one in seven numbers is prime, whereas up to and including N = 1010 about one in 23 numbers is prime (where ln(103)= 6.90775528. and ln(1010)=23.0258509). In other words, the average gap between consecutive prime numbers among the first N integers is roughly ln(N).

Read more about Prime Number Theorem:  Statement of The Theorem, History of The Asymptotic Law of Distribution of Prime Numbers and Its Proof, Proof Methodology, Proof Sketch, Prime-counting Function in Terms of The Logarithmic Integral, Elementary Proofs, Computer Verifications, Prime Number Theorem For Arithmetic Progressions, Bounds On The Prime-counting Function, Approximations For The nth Prime Number, Table of π(x), x / Ln x, and Li(x), Analogue For Irreducible Polynomials Over A Finite Field

Famous quotes containing the words prime, number and/or theorem:

    In time, after a dozen years of centering their lives around the games boys play with one another, the boys’ bodies change and that changes everything else. But the memories are not erased of that safest time in the lives of men, when their prime concern was playing games with guys who just wanted to be their friendly competitors. Life never again gets so simple.
    Frank Pittman (20th century)

    Nothing ever prepares a couple for having a baby, especially the first one. And even baby number two or three, the surprises and challenges, the cosmic curve balls, keep on coming. We can’t believe how much children change everything—the time we rise and the time we go to bed; the way we fight and the way we get along. Even when, and if, we make love.
    Susan Lapinski (20th century)

    To insure the adoration of a theorem for any length of time, faith is not enough, a police force is needed as well.
    Albert Camus (1913–1960)