Belphegor’s Prime is 1000000000000066600000000000001. At first glance, this might just seem like a long number, but it holds an intriguing secret. Found by Harvey Dubner, this prime number has an uncanny design. It starts with the digit 1, followed by thirteen 0s, then the number 666 (often associated with the devil or the beast in many cultures), another thirteen 0s, and ends with the digit 1.

The moniker “Belphegor” alludes to one of the Seven Princes of Hell, known for aiding humans in creating clever inventions and breakthroughs.

A Palindromic Prime

What makes Belphegor’s Prime even more captivating is its palindromic nature. This means that the number remains the same even when read backward. Palindromes are found in various forms in our daily lives – words, phrases, and even dates. But finding them in the vast world of numbers, especially prime numbers, is a rarity and a delight for mathematicians and enthusiasts alike.

The meaning of 666

The inclusion of 666 in the middle of this prime brings a touch of mystique. In various religious and mythological contexts, 666 is referred to as the “Number of the Beast.” Whether Belphegor’s Prime’s structure was intentional or merely a happenstance of mathematics is up for debate. Nevertheless, its existence provides an exciting intersection of mathematics, culture, and mythology.

Belphegor’s Prime is more than just a number; it’s a story, a mystery, and a piece of art in the vast canvas of mathematics. It serves as an example of how numbers can transcend beyond digits and equations to evoke wonder, intrigue, and reflection. One thing’s for sure: mathematics is full of surprises, and Belphegor’s Prime is a prime example of that.