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It is a method for finding the prime and composite numbers

Here is an example of the sieve. Firstly the definition of a prime is a number divisible only by itself and one. From that we can build this sieve, it can of course go on as far as you wish. Though with very large numbers it becomes impractical.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27

Then starting at 1 we highlight all those numbers which can be divided by numbers lower than themselves. Each number in bold is not a Prime number because a number below it can be divided into it with no remainder. Each number in italics is a prime, because, as we have said it can only be divided by 1 and itself. It should also be noted that 2 is the only even prime number, all other even numbers can be divided by 2. So if you are asked if a number is prime and it is an even number then you do not have to check because it is not.

The Sieve of Eratosthenes is a way of determining which numbers are prime.

  • Zero and one are, by definition, not prime.
  • Write a list of numbers from two up to the highest number in which you are interested.
  • The first number, 2, is prime and every multiple of it can not be prime, so cross them out -- that is 4, 6, 8, 10, and so on
  • The next number not crossed out will be 3. That is prime but its multiples can't be, so cross them out -- 6, 9, 12, 15, and so on.
  • 4 is crossed out, so the next number not crossed out is 5. That is prime, so cross out its multiples, 10, 15, 20, and so on.
  • Continue this process until you can not cross out any more numbers (about halfway down the list)
  • When you have finished, all numbers not crossed out are prime.
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Q: What is the sieve of eratosthenes?
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Related questions

When did Eratosthenes discover the sieve?

The sieve of Eratosthenes was discovered in 223 BC.


What are you filtering with sieve of eratosthenes?

The Sieve of Eratosthenes filters numbers, letting the composites fall through while the primes remain.


Who created the sieve of eratosthenes?

Eratosthenes, a greek philosopher, did, hence the name.


Where did sieve eratosthenes grow up?

his name isnt sieve but, i know a website all about his life. theres one on eratosthenes on wikipedia. so there, by the way, eratosthenes is the wierdest name ever!!!!!!!!!


What date was Sieve Eratosthenes born?

About 276 BC Eratosthenes was a Greek mathematician who is credited with a simple method of making a list of as many primes as you wish. His method is known as the Sieve of Eratosthenes.


Who invented the prime number sieve?

Eratosthenes


Where did Eratosthenes Sieve invent prime no?

The Sieve did not invent prime numbers. It was used to find them.


How do you pronounce Sieve of Eratosthenes?

era-tos-the- knees.


What did the sieve of Eratosthenes used to find?

prime numbers


When was the sieve of eratosthenes invented?

It was around 200 BC.


How many even prime numbers are there in a sieve of Eratosthenes?

One


Did Eratosthenes have a family?

Yes and his mother and father were part of the family.