The mathematical query “is 13 prime number” examines whether the number 13 belongs to the set of prime numbers. A prime number is a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. For instance, 13 is not divisible by any whole number other than 1 and 13, making it a prime number.
Determining the primality of numbers is essential in various mathematical fields, including number theory and cryptography. Prime numbers play a crucial role in public-key cryptography, which secures online transactions and communications. Historically, the study of prime numbers dates back to ancient Greek mathematicians like Euclid, who proved that there are infinitely many prime numbers.