Composite

Definition

A composite number is a positive integer greater than 1 that has at least one positive divisor other than 1 and itself. In other words, it can be divided evenly by numbers other than 1 and itself.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Composite numbers have more than two factors.
2. The smallest composite number is 4.
3. All even numbers greater than 2 are composite because they are divisible by 2.
4. A number can be identified as composite if it has a prime factor less than or equal to its square root.
5. The number 1 is neither prime nor composite.

Review Questions

• What makes a number composite?
• Is the number 15 a prime or composite number? Why?
• How can you determine if a large number is composite?

Related terms

Prime Number: A positive integer greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself

Factor: A number that divides another without leaving a remainder

Divisor: A number by which another number is to be divided