Will we find a new prime below M42?

[ATH]

.

[Uncwilly]

With less than 5000 exponents under that that haven't been tested once, the odds don't look good.

[Primeinator]

All 5,000 of those exponents though is a potential candidate, each technically having the same probably right? Personally, I think that there are 2 or 3 undiscovered primes below (currently, since this post was responded to after such a length of time) M43. Of course, there could also be none.

[flava]

Yes, until the doublechecks are finished I think there is a non negligeable chance to find at least a new prime.

[R.D. Silverman]

Originally Posted by ATH

.

The question is poorly posed.

I know what was intended, but what was intended was not what was asked.

The answer to what was asked is:

Yes.

In fact, I just discovered such a prime. Here it is.

1037510965197585328966549837707224890354657080201529875806647479\
8233863486031281131283524914678956270502562335950080303203364693

The question that was *intended* was: Will we discover a new MERSENNE
prime below M42?

The answer to that is: "unlikely"

Learn to phrase mathematical questions precisely.

[Uncwilly]

Originally Posted by R.D. Silverman

The question is poorly posed.

I know what was intended, but what was intended was not what was asked.
.....
The question that was *intended* was: Will we discover a new MERSENNE
prime below M42?
......
Learn to phrase mathematical questions precisely.

That is context my dear sir. The question being posed is asked in the Mersenne Forum, the lounge specifically (as opposed to a specific search subfora). The 'we' refered to is those of us involved in GIMPS. And the referent is M42. The inclusion in the poll of other mersenne's to mark off the ranges further points to a specific type.

Under those bits of context, it is to be understood that a new mersenne prime is what they are refering to.

If they wanted to know if a new Proth, general format, etc. they would have stated so.
I believe Mr. Silverman is likely to have posed a similar question without all the bagage of fully stating each small detail to define it. I choose not to search his past posts and embarass him.

[R.D. Silverman]

Originally Posted by Uncwilly

That is context my dear sir. The question being posed is asked in the Mersenne Forum, the lounge specifically (as opposed to a specific search subfora). The 'we' refered to is those of us involved in GIMPS. And the referent is M42. The inclusion in the poll of other mersenne's to mark off the ranges further points to a specific type.

Under those bits of context, it is to be understood that a new mersenne prime is what they are refering to.

If they wanted to know if a new Proth, general format, etc. they would have stated so.
I believe Mr. Silverman is likely to have posed a similar question without all the bagage of fully stating each small detail to define it. I choose not to search his past posts and embarass him.

It seems that every attempt I make to TEACH [in this case about
precise formulation of questions] gets firmly rebuffed.

You people seem to have an attitude problem.

[Uncwilly]

Originally Posted by R.D. Silverman

It seems that every attempt I make to TEACH [in this case about precise formulation of questions] gets firmly rebuffed.

You people seem to have an attitude problem.

There is no need to teach the original poster. No one misunderstood the original question.

Have you never made a statement that required context? Do you want me to look for one? Not all math questions that are asked in this forum are 'for the ages'. Contextual shorthand eases communication.

No, not every attempt you make to teach is "firmly rebuffed". You are using hyperbole. You are letting your emotions get the better of you.

[R.D. Silverman]

Originally Posted by Uncwilly

There is no need to teach the original poster. No one misunderstood the original question.

The issue is NOT whether anyone misunderstood. The *intent* of the
question was totally clear.

That does NOT preclude my trying to teach people to be more precise
in their mathematical phrasing.

And by the way... There are other prime searching projects discussed
in this forum... Not all primes discussed herein are Mersenne primes.

[Mystwalker]

Originally Posted by R.D. Silverman

The issue is NOT whether anyone misunderstood. The *intent* of the question was totally clear.

So, your teaching inefficient communication forms (due to massive redundancy) and the renunciation of pragmatism for the sake of - ultimate correctness in a Lounge-posting whose core is hardly about math at all (or would it make a difference if the question was "Will we find a new rhyme below an aussie foo?")?

Somehow this reminds me of bureaucracy: "It's inefficient and superfluous doing so... but you have to do so!"

That does NOT preclude my trying to teach people to be more precise
in their mathematical phrasing.

I don't know if you are aware of it...
but I haven't heard of anyone yet that favors this special "help" of yours - at least when we have situations like this one.
There really are situations when your advice is appreciated, no question.
But please refrain from those comments above.

All you achieve is:

1. Bad atmosphere in the forums.
2. Antipathy towards your person, already showing in the unwillingness helping you (which is sad).
3. A lot of wasted time due to senseless discussions, which will never change anyone's opinion (here, we bridge to inefficiency again).

What you will definitely not achieve:

4. A change of mind towards your demand.


I'm quite sure this is not what you intend - but I'm quite confident this is what you cause.

And by the way... There are other prime searching projects discussed in this forum... Not all primes discussed herein are Mersenne primes.

As you said: "The *intent* of the question was totally clear."

[Bundu]

Originally Posted by R.D. Silverman

It seems that every attempt I make to TEACH [in this case about
precise formulation of questions] gets firmly rebuffed.

You people seem to have an attitude problem.

[Sighs...] a New Super-hero is born.... FLAMEBOY!!! Special powers include: a need to TEACH!: Unsurpassed rudeness: and a gargantuan brain without one neuron assigned to politeness! A mathmatician by day... a forum goblin by night.... NONE CAN ESCAPE!!!!!!