On 08/02/2013 19:31, Nick wrote:
In message , Rod Speed
writes


"ARW" wrote in message
...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21382663

Why is it only "thought" to be the largest prime number ever identified?

Because (large) prime numbers are used in all encryption systems. These
systems rely for security on no-one being able to predict where to find
'new' or existing primes.

Not sure how that answers the question!

However its worth noting that practical encryption systems don't need
need numbers with digits into the megabytes!



--
Cheers,

John.

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