What is the next prime number after 7?

The next prime number after 7 is 11 because a prime number is defined as a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself.

After 7, we examine the numbers in sequence: 8, 9, and 10 are all composite numbers. They can be divided evenly by numbers other than 1 and themselves, making them non-prime. Specifically, 8 can be divided by 1, 2, 4, and 8; 9 can be divided by 1, 3, and 9; and 10 can be divided by 1, 2, 5, and 10.

However, when we reach 11, we find that the only divisors are 1 and 11. This means that 11 meets the criteria of a prime number, making it the next prime number after 7.