The Sieve of Eratosthenes

Eratosthenes was an ancient Greek math mathematician that created

a method to easily find prime numbers.

In this project you will find all of the prime numbers up to 200. You will
use the same method that Eratosthenes devised.

This project is due on Friday, November 12, 2010. Please make sure
to read all directions carefully to ensure that you get the best grade
possible.

Expectations for this project:

• Use an Excel spread sheet to create the Sieve of Eratosthenes,
Ms. Smith will show you in class how to do the first part from 1-
100. You will be expected to create your own for 101 – 200.
• Color code your sieve to show how the composite numbers are
crossed out (ex: use blue to cross out all of the numbers that are
crossed out by 2, use red for all the numbers crossed out by 3).
• Copy your spreadsheet into a word document, and answer the
following questions using your sieve in complete sentences.
o List all of the prime numbers from 1 -200.
o Make a list of the first 10 numbers that are crossed out and
write out their prime factorizations.
o Twin primes are two primes that differ by 2 (example 3 and
5.) List all of the twin primes from 1 -200.
o If the digits of a prime number are reversed, then the number obtained is
sometimes a prime (ex: 17 and 71). Use your list to find all of the
numbers like these.
o Research on the Internet to find the largest prime number
known today. Your answer may use exponents. Cite your
source.
• Make sure to view the rubric below for specific instructions for
this project. You will be graded using the rubric.