To multiply two numbers by hand takes a few steps but it's something we're taught in school. When dealing with big numbers, really big numbers, we need to a quicker way to do things.

An algorithm is a sequence of logically connected mathematical steps that solve a problem. For example, an algorithm to add three numbers can have two steps: add the first two numbers in the first ...

Karatsuba’s divide-and-conquer multiplication algorithm takes advantage of this saving. Consider a multiplication algorithm that parallels the way multiplication of complex numbers works.

Prime numbers are whole numbers greater than 1 that are not divisible by any whole number other than 1 and itself. The first few are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13 … To explain how the RSA algorithm works ...