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Problem #472: Given some initial finite sequence of primes...

Given some initial finite sequence of primes $q_1<\cdots

Problem Statement

Given some initial finite sequence of primes $q_1<\cdots<q_m$ extend it so that $q_{n+1}$ is the smallest prime of the form $q_n+q_i-1$ for $n\geq m$. Is there an initial starting sequence so that the resulting sequence is infinite?
Categories: Number Theory

Progress

A problem due to Ulam. For example if we begin with $3,5$ then the sequence continues $3,5,7,11,13,17,\ldots$. It is possible that this sequence is infinite.

Source: erdosproblems.com/472 | Last verified: January 15, 2026

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