Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Oxford / 2023 / Prelims / Mathematics I / 6 / a / i

The set $S_n$ is nonempty because $n\in S_n$. By the well-ordering principle for the natural numbers, it has a least element $p$. In particular $p>1$ and $p$ divides $n$.

If $p$ were not a prime number, it would have a positive integer divisor $d$ with $1<d<p$. Since $d$ divides $p$ and $p$ divides $n$, divisibility is transitive and $d$ divides $n$. This would put $d$ in $S_n$, contradicting the minimality of $p$. Hence $\boxed{p\text{ is prime}}$.