What is the next prime number after 5?

The next prime number after 5 is 7 because a prime number is defined as a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. The number 7 fits this definition perfectly, as its only divisors are 1 and 7.

To understand why 6, 8, and 9 do not qualify, consider their divisibility. The number 6 can be divided evenly by 1, 2, 3, and 6. Similarly, 8 can be divided evenly by 1, 2, 4, and 8, and 9 can be divided by 1, 3, and 9. Since each of these numbers has divisors other than 1 and itself, they do not meet the criteria for a prime number. Therefore, following 5, the next prime number is indeed 7.