The Gaussian prime

A Gaussian prime is a special type of number in the field of mathematics, specifically in number theory. It is a complex number of the form a + bi, where "a" and "b" are integers, and i is the imaginary unit (the square root of -1). A Gaussian prime is considered prime if it cannot be factored into smaller Gaussian integers, except for trivial factors, like its own units (1, -1, i, -i). They extend the concept of prime numbers from the regular number system into the realm of complex numbers, revealing fascinating patterns in mathematics.