# Find an $n$ for which $(P_1,\dots,P_n)+1$ is not prime

Q.To show that the number $N=(P_1....P_n)+1$ is not always prime (where $P_1,...,P_n$)are the first n primes) , find an n for which $(P_1...P_n)+1$ is not prime

My attempt

since $P_1,...,P_n$are the first n primes so $P_1=2$

so product is even so N is odd number

$N=2k+1$

since odd number {1,3,5,7,9,....} is not always prime so N is not always prime

• This proof does not work. You can't get all odd numbers through this procedure. Just because you get an odd number doesn't mean that every odd number appears (you only get a subset). – Michael Burr Jan 10 '17 at 15:48
• Just find a specific example of when $1$ plus the product of the first $n$ primes isn't prime. It's true that this is "not always prime" but what you've written doesn't demonstrate this. – pjs36 Jan 10 '17 at 15:49
• Just check the first few cases. You'll find it before very long. – Michael Burr Jan 10 '17 at 15:50
• Yes not all odd numbers are prime, but not all odd numbers are of your form either. Just try small $n$, you'll find a good example. – lulu Jan 10 '17 at 15:50
• A014545 – Amin235 Jan 10 '17 at 16:16

$2\cdot3\cdot5\cdot7\cdot11\cdot13+1=30,031=59\cdot509$
The number $N=p_1\cdots p_n+1$ is often prime, for the first $n$ primes $p_i$, but not always. The first example is $$N=2\cdot 3\cdot 5\cdot 7\cdot 11\cdot 13+1=30031=59\cdot 509.$$ The next one is $$N=2\cdot 3\cdot 5\cdot 7\cdot 11\cdot 13\cdot 17+1=19 \cdot 97\cdot 277.$$