Prime Target: Why does Ed become a target? Everything we know about the math equations

If one were to peel all the layers of suspense and supposed intrigue from Prime Target, what would remain is a math equation. Prime Target is the latest thriller show on Apple TV+ featuring Leo Woodall, who plays the character of Cambridge postgraduate Edward Brooks. While delving deeper and deeper into the world of prime numbers in particular and mathematics in general, Edward scarcely realizes that he is becoming a target of unknown forces that are out to harm him.

There's no doubt that math indeed plays a huge role in the narrative of Prime Target. As revealed by the character of National Security Agency (NSA) Agent Taylah, the agency is constantly monitoring and surveilling top mathematicians at elite institutions. Although Prime Target at times seems over the top in its portrayal of real-life threats, it can be said that it does highlight the importance of math.

In the modern world, as such a world is portrayed by Prime Target, everything ranging from international finance to aviation and transport depends on meticulously developed mathematical codes. Brilliant mathematicians have the power to disrupt these codes and make new ones to their credit.

Therefore in the world of the show, Ed becomes a target for his supposed pathbreaking research in prime numbers, as the NSA and other forces don't want that much power to accumulate in his hands if he were to complete his research.

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Prime Target's math equation threat leaves room for more

The first two episodes of Prime Target showcase a group of people who become engaged in a major conspiracy centered on a math problem. While the show avoids getting into the specifics of what makes the equation deadly, it does establish that all characters who are aware of it are in grave risk due to the destruction it might possibly inflict on the planet.

The main protagonists, such as Professor Mallinder and Edward Brooks, are likewise targeted by mystery groups aiming to prevent anybody from accessing the forbidden equation. The seriousness with which the Apple TV+ program addresses this issue begs numerous concerns about what makes the primary equation so potent and devastating.

According to the show's reasoning, if a mathematician discovers the prohibited information concerning the relationship between prime numbers, they may possibly get access to all digital devices worldwide.

As a result, to guarantee that the potential to rule the world does not fall into the hands of a single individual, agencies such as the NSA are desperate to apprehend mathematicians before they go too far into prime numbers research. When a mathematician gets near to cracking the code, they are eliminated to keep them from obtaining prohibited knowledge.

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Leo Woodall opens up about the math

According to a recent report by The New York Times, actor Leo Woodall devoted a significant amount of time to getting the math right while preparing for his role as Ed Brooks on the Apple TV+ show. He had to peruse several volumes of old equations and other math material before the cameras started rolling. He revealed:

"I had some maths lessons, but it was unsuccessful. So I just decided to memorize it all and write it as quickly as I could. It was a deeply stressful process.”

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Prime Target is exclusively available on Apple TV+.