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jmc

number theory intermediate

Problem

The set of integers has the property that the sum of any three members of the set plus 1 yields a prime number. What is the smallest possible value of greater than 10?
Solution
First, we know that is even. Every prime number larger than is odd, so the sum of three members has to be even.

Now, does not work because , which is not prime.

Similarly, does not work because , which is not prime.

But works because all the possible sums involving generate prime results: , , and .

So the smallest possible value of is .
Final answer
16