Prime numbers are numbers that are only divisible by 1 and by themselves. It is possible to determine whether a number is prime or not by dividing it by several prime numbers and finding some other number that divides it without leaving a remainder.
In this article, we will look at a summary of prime and composite numbers. In addition, we will solve several problems to determine if a given number is prime or composite.
Summary of prime and composite numbers
Remember that prime numbers are numbers that can only be divided by 1 and by themselves. For example, 5 is a prime number since it can only be divided by 1 and 5.
On the other hand, composite numbers are those numbers that can be divided by 1, by itself, and at least by another number more. For example, 8 is a composite number since it can be divided by 1, 2, 4, and 8.
To determine if a number is prime or composite, we have to divide it by prime numbers to find out if there is another number for which it is divisible. It is advisable to try from the smallest prime numbers.
For example, we try to divide the number in question by 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19 in that order. If the number can be divided by these numbers, then it is not a prime number.
Therefore, the important thing here is that we must memorize the first prime numbers, and then use these numbers and determine if another number is prime or composite.
Number 1
Now let’s look at the number 1. We know that the rule for a number to be prime is that it be divisible only by 1 and by itself. However, the full definition of a prime number is that a prime is a number greater than 1 that is divisible only by 1 and by itself. Therefore, 1 is not a prime number. This is because 1 does not have two divisors.
Prime and composite numbers – Examples with answers
EXAMPLE 1
Determine whether 9 is a prime number or a composite number.
Solution
We have to divide 9 by prime numbers to find out if there is another number that it is divisible by.
Therefore, we start with 2. If we divide 9 by 2, we get 4.5. This means that 2 is not a factor of 9.
Now, we divide 9 by 3. Doing so gives us 3. Since we got a whole number, 3 is a factor of 9.
Since 9 is divisible by 3, 9 is a composite number. 9 is a composite number as it is divisible by 1, 9, and at least one other number.
EXAMPLE 2
Determine whether 23 is a prime number or a composite number.
Solution
We divide 23 by different prime numbers to find out if it is divisible by another number.
We start by dividing it by 2. By dividing it by 2, we don’t get a whole number, nor do we get a whole number if we divide it by 3, or by 5, or by 7, or by 11.
We see that there is no other integer that divides 23 without leaving a remainder. This means that 23 is a prime number.
EXAMPLE 3
Determine whether 33 is a prime number or a composite number.
Solution
We start by dividing 33 by 2. By doing this, we get 16.5, so it is not divisible by 2.
Then, we divide by 3. We get 11, so it is divisible by 3.
This means that 33 is a composite number since it is divisible by at least one other number other than 1 and itself.
EXAMPLE 4
Determine whether 64 is a prime number or a composite number.
Solution
Quickly, we can determine that this number is divisible by 2. Thus, 64 is a composite number since it is divisible by 1 by itself and by at least one other number.
Something important to remember is that all even numbers greater than 2 are composite numbers since all even numbers are divisible by 2.
EXAMPLE 5
Determine whether 41 is a prime number or a composite number.
Solution
We start by dividing by 2. By dividing by 2, we get 20.5, so it is not divisible by 2.
Then we try 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, and 17. None of these numbers divides 41 exactly, so there is no other number by which 41 is divisible.
Therefore, 41 is a prime number.
Prime and composite numbers – Practice problems
Which number is neither prime nor composite?
Write the answer in the input box.
See also
Interested in learning more about algebraic topics? Take a look at these pages:
Jefferson Huera Guzman
Jefferson is the lead author and administrator of Neurochispas.com. The interactive Mathematics and Physics content that I have created has helped many students.
