素数(そすう)

Composed of 素(そ) (basic/elemental) + 数(すう) (number), suggesting a number in its most basic, indivisible form. A fundamental term in mathematics.

Common collocations

• 素数(そすう)を求(もと)める: to find a prime number
• 素数(そすう)の判定(はんてい): primality test
• 最大(さいだい)の素数(そすう): the largest prime number
• 素数(そすう)の一覧(いちらん): a list of prime numbers

Related words

• 合成数(ごうせいすう): composite number — a number that is not prime (has divisors other than 1 and itself)
• 因数(いんすう): factor — a number that divides another evenly
• 素因数分解(そいんすうぶんかい): prime factorization — breaking a number into its prime factors

Cultural note

Prime numbers appear in Japanese pop culture, notably in the manga and anime series featuring mathematical themes. The concept is taught in Japanese middle school mathematics.