Find the Missing Digit: Complete the Prime Number _7

Question

Fill in the blank for a prime number:

7 \square7

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll conduct primality tests for each possible number formed by different digits in place of \square in 7\square7.

  • Step 1: Test if 3737 is prime.
  • Step 2: Test if 5757 is prime.
  • Step 3: Test if 8787 is prime.
  • Step 4: Test if 7777 is prime.

Let's detail these steps:

Step 1: Check 3737.

3737 is not divisible by any prime numbers up to its square root (376.08\sqrt{37} \approx 6.08), specifically 2, 3, 5. Therefore, 3737 is prime.

Step 2: Check 5757.

5757 is divisible by 3 (57÷3=1957 \div 3 = 19). Thus, 5757 is not prime.

Step 3: Check 8787.

8787 is divisible by 3 (87÷3=2987 \div 3 = 29). Hence, 8787 is not prime.

Step 4: Check 7777.

7777 is divisible by 7 (77÷7=1177 \div 7 = 11). Consequently, 7777 is not prime.

Therefore, the number that completes 7 \square7 as a prime number is 3\boxed{3}, forming 3737 which is prime.

Answer

3 3