Probability of finding a prime number

Deamiter · 2002-10-10, 07:20

I was looking at my probability of finding a prime (currently 1/149456 with two 33M exponents) and I was wondering what exactly that means. Does it take into account previous distribution of mersene primes and those numbers already checked, or does it assume that the distribution is entirely random. If it assumes that they're randomly distributed, how could you calculate a probability?

Just wondering.

svempasnake · 2002-10-10, 21:05

I believe the estimate is made as described here: Prime95- Help, Math - Lucas-Lehmer details

Deamiter · 2002-10-11, 04:08

I'm sorry. I've been following the boards at least since then, but I guess I never noticed it because I didn't care much about probabilities then. I'll try not to act like such a n00b.

ops:

Xyzzy · 2002-10-11, 06:53

I never knew about that either... I'm glad you brought it up... :)

QuintLeo · 2002-10-11, 16:36

If you don't know the answer, it's NOT a dumb question.

9-)

(Unless you've been told the answer a few times, and are impolite about asking for it AGAIN, that is....)

2002-10-10, 07:20	#1
Deamiter Sep 2002 3²·13 Posts	Probability of finding a prime number I was looking at my probability of finding a prime (currently 1/149456 with two 33M exponents) and I was wondering what exactly that means. Does it take into account previous distribution of mersene primes and those numbers already checked, or does it assume that the distribution is entirely random. If it assumes that they're randomly distributed, how could you calculate a probability? Just wondering.

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2002-10-10, 21:05	#2
svempasnake Aug 2002 25₈ Posts	I believe the estimate is made as described here: Prime95- Help, Math - Lucas-Lehmer details

2002-10-11, 04:08	#3
Deamiter Sep 2002 3²·13 Posts	I'm sorry. I've been following the boards at least since then, but I guess I never noticed it because I didn't care much about probabilities then. I'll try not to act like such a n00b. ops:

2002-10-11, 06:53	#4
Xyzzy "Mike" Aug 2002 1111101100010₂ Posts	I never knew about that either... I'm glad you brought it up... :)

2002-10-11, 16:36	#5
QuintLeo Oct 2002 Lost in the hills of Iowa 2⁶·7 Posts	If you don't know the answer, it's NOT a dumb question. 9-) (Unless you've been told the answer a few times, and are impolite about asking for it AGAIN, that is....)