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> modern encryption techniques based on factoring prime numbers This obviously wasn’t written by a mathematician. I _hope_ it wasn’t written by a physicist.
by robinhouston 3y ago
> modern encryption techniques based on factoring prime numbers
This obviously wasn’t written by a mathematician. I _hope_ it wasn’t written by a physicist.
- keepamovin 3y agoIt's an easy flub, almost so easy as to be content free. The correct statement is either: factoring into prime numbers, or factoring semiprime numbers. So when I see pedants picking this one out, I think people should be given a break! :)
- robinhouston 3y agoI actually came here to delete my comment, because it occurred to me that it might sound mean-spirited. But it seems I am too late. I found the mistake amusing, that's all.
- keepamovin 3y agoOH no! I've prevented you from deleting your comment! I wasn't being too hard on you. If you want, I can delete mine, and we can both delete everything before the 2 hour deadline?
- dr_dshiv 3y agoNope! It’s an interesting and informative mistake.
- keepamovin 3y agoFunny — how it spawned a whole subthread on its own!
- feitingen 3y agoIf you don't mind, I'd prefer if you leave it up as a reminder that comments that might seem mean-spirited should be given the benefit of the doubt. In my opinion it is better to assume people mean well and I feel like you've proven me right (this time)
- mnw21cam 3y agoModern encryption techniques are based on our inability to factor large numbers into prime numbers. If you factor a number that's used as the key into the two prime numbers it was composed from, then you have broken the encryption.