Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A prime number is an integer greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. In simpler terms, it cannot be evenly divided by any number other than 1 and itself.
Related terms
Composite Number: A composite number is an integer greater than 1 that can be evenly divided by at least one positive divisor other than 1 and itself.
Factor: A factor of a number is an integer that divides the given number without leaving any remainder.
Sieve of Eratosthenes: The Sieve of Eratosthenes is an ancient algorithm used to find all prime numbers up to a given limit efficiently.