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jmc

number theory intermediate

Problem

The prime numbers are added in order starting with : , , , and so on. How many of the first 12 such sums are also prime?
Solution
Approach this problem systematically: 2 is prime, 2+3=5 is prime, 5+5=10 is composite, 10+7=17 is prime, 17+11=28 is composite, 28+13=41 is prime, 41+17=58 is composite, 58+19=77 is composite, 77+23=100 is composite, 100+29=129 is composite, 129+31=160 is composite, and finally 160+37=197 is prime. Thus, of the first 12 such sums are prime.
Final answer
5