threeteen

Thirteen is a number that follows twelve and precedes fourteen. It is an odd number and a prime number, meaning its only positive divisors are 1 and itself. In base-10, it is represented as the digit 1 followed by the digit 3.

The number thirteen holds cultural significance in various societies, often associated with superstition. In Western cultures, thirteen is frequently considered an unlucky number. This superstition, known as triskaidekaphobia, can manifest in various ways, such as the absence of a 13th floor in some buildings or the avoidance of the number in seating arrangements. Conversely, in some other cultures, thirteen is not viewed as unlucky and may even carry positive connotations.

In mathematics, thirteen is a prime number and a Fibonacci number. It is also the smallest irregular prime. The sequence of prime numbers includes thirteen as the sixth prime number.

The concept of thirteen appears in various contexts, from religious and mythological traditions to common everyday occurrences. For example, a baker's dozen traditionally consisted of thirteen items, one more than a standard dozen. The lunar calendar often has thirteen months in a leap year. These diverse associations highlight the multifaceted nature of the number thirteen across different domains.