What is the sum of all prime numbers which are not greater than 17?

Appeared in: SGPGI Nursing Officer-2024

Explanation

A prime number is a natural number greater than 1 with no positive divisors other than 1 and itself.
The prime numbers not greater than 17 are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, and 17.
The sum of these prime numbers is calculated as: 2 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 11 + 13 + 17 = 58.

Option A: This sum is incorrect because it likely includes 1, which is not a prime number by definition.
Option C: This sum is incorrect because it excludes the prime number 17 from the calculation.
Option D: This is a duplicate of the previous incorrect option and represents an incomplete sum that excludes 17.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Summation of prime numbers as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Basic arithmetic is a foundational skill for nurses, crucial for safe and accurate medication administration.
Nurses frequently calculate drug dosages, IV drip rates, and fluid balances, where even small mathematical errors can have serious patient consequences.
What if? If a nurse miscalculates a dose by a factor similar to the errors in the distractor options (e.g., off by 1 or omitting a component), it could lead to underdosing or overdosing a patient, highlighting the need for precision.

How to Approach the Question

Step 1: Understand the definition of a 'prime number' (a number greater than 1 divisible only by 1 and itself).
Step 2: Interpret the condition 'not greater than 17' as including all numbers up to and including 17.
Step 3: Systematically list all the prime numbers that meet this condition: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17.
Step 4: Carefully add all the numbers in your list to find the final sum.
Step 5: Double-check your addition and compare the result to the given options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full SGPGI Nursing Officer-2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.