What is the next prime number after 5?

The next prime number after 5 is 7 because a prime number is defined as a natural number greater than 1 that has no divisors other than 1 and itself. The number 5 is a prime number, and when considering the natural numbers that follow, we look for the smallest number that meets the criteria of being prime.

Examining the numbers sequentially:

• 6 is not a prime number because it can be divided by 1, 2, 3, and 6.

• 7 is divisible only by 1 and 7, which qualifies it as a prime number.

• 8 is not prime since it can be divided by 1, 2, 4, and 8.

• 9 is also not prime because it can be divided by 1, 3, and 9.

Therefore, the next prime number after 5 is indeed 7, as it is the first number after 5 that fulfills the requirements of being a prime number.