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Other ORP type . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Other ORP type . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Distribution of Prime Numbers in a Grid

Distribution des nombres premiers dans une grille
Authors: Allouche Bernard;

Distribution of Prime Numbers in a Grid

Abstract

Ulam's spiral has often been mentioned for its curious ability to reveal diagonal alignments of prime numbers in a square grid. Although this observation is visually striking and continues to fascinate both researchers and countless enthusiasts, the underlying reason remains unclear: why do primes appear more frequently along certain directions? Most interpretations rely on complex analytical tools or on sieving techniques. This paper oers a more intuitive perspective, rooted in elementary arithmetic, to explain these diagonal patterns. Our approach builds upon simple congruence relationships between integers placed within a twodimensional structure. We present a graphical and systematic method for locating prime numbers inside a regular grid, based on congruence characteris tics modulo dierent integers. Despite its sim plicity, this method leads to structured, sometimes unexpected, geometric properties that echo wellknown number theory concepts. Finally, several appendices propose concrete implementations, opening the way for educational exercises as well as amateur explorations. Yet, one very fundamental question remains open: what deeper structure of the integers governs these recurring, almost geometric, appearances of primes?

Keywords

Prime number, Ulam spiral

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average