What is the next prime number after 7?

To determine the next prime number after 7, we first need to understand the definition of a prime number. A prime number is greater than 1 and has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself.

Starting from the first prime number following 7, we check the integers in succession:

• The number 8 is not prime because it can be divided by 1, 2, 4, and 8.
• The number 9 is also not prime because it can be divided by 1, 3, and 9.
• The number 10 is not prime since it can be divided by 1, 2, 5, and 10.

When we reach 11, we find that it cannot be divided evenly by any number other than 1 and 11. This means that 11 meets the criteria of a prime number.

Following 11, the next candidates would be 12 and beyond, but since we are looking for the next prime number immediately after 7, 11 is the correct answer. The subsequent prime number after 11 is 13, but that is not what the question asks for. Thus, 11 is confirmed as the next prime number after 7