google-deepmind / google-deepmind/formal-conjectures

Formalize the infinitude conjecture for decimal repunit primes

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Description

### What is the conjecture

A decimal repunit is a natural number consisting only of the digit `1`. The repunit of length
$n\geq1$ is

$$
R_n=1+10+10^2+\cdots+10^{n-1}=\frac{10^n-1}{9}.
$$

For example, $R_2=11$ is prime, while $R_3=111=3\cdot37$ is composite. The next known prime
examples occur at lengths $19$ and $23$.

Wikipedia states:

> It has been conjectured that there are infinitely many repunit primes.

References:

- [Wikipedia: Repunit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repunit#Decimal_repunit_primes)
- [OEIS A002275](https://oeis.org/A002275), decimal repunits
- [OEIS A004022](https://oeis.org/A004022), decimal repunit primes
- [OEIS A004023](https://oeis.org/A004023), lengths of decimal repunit primes

The formalization defines $R_n$ as a finite geometric sum and states that infinitely many lengths
produce a prime.

### Prerequisites needed

Mathlib already provides finite sums, natural-number exponentiation, primality, and `Set.Infinite`.
Using the geometric sum avoids natural-number division in the definition. No addition to
`FormalConjecturesForMathlib` is needed.

### [AMS categories](https://github.com/google-deepmind/formal-conjectures/labels?q=ams-)

- ams-11

### Choose either option

- [x] I plan on adding this conjecture to the repository
- [ ] This issue is up for grabs: I would like to see this conjecture added by somebody else

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

Research direction

Start by locating existing conjecture formalizations in the repository and reviewing mathlib's finite sums, natural-number exponentiation, primality, and Set.Infinite APIs. Define the decimal repunit as the stated finite geometric sum and formalize that infinitely many lengths produce a prime; it is done when the theorem compiles.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Domain
tooling
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
3/5
Estimated time
1-2 days
Activity status
Active
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
38/100

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