The sum of the first four primes is
Aptitude
Number System
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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A10
-
B11
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C16
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D17
Answer
Correct Answer: 17
Explanation
### Concept & Logic
This problem tests your basic knowledge of the sequence of prime numbers. You must accurately identify the first four primes and compute their sum.
### Step-by-Step Solution
Identify the first four prime numbers in sequential order. A prime number is a natural number $>1$ with exactly two divisors.
* 1st prime: $2$ (The only even prime)
* 2nd prime: $3$
* 3rd prime: $5$
* 4th prime: $7$
Now, add these numbers together:
$$Sum = 2 + 3 + 5 + 7$$
$$Sum = 17$$
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
This is a pure arithmetic calculation. The fastest way is to group the numbers making ten: $(3 + 7) = 10$, then add the remaining $(10 + 5 + 2) = 17$.
### Common Pitfall
The single most common error is including $1$ in the list of primes. If you mistakenly count $1$ as a prime, your list would be $1, 2, 3, 5$, and your sum would be $11$ (Option B). Remember, $1$ is neither prime nor composite.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is 17.