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What is a composite Number?

A composite number is a positive integer that has a factor other than 1 and itself. For instance, 6 is a composite number because:

  • it is positive
  • it has a factor other than 1 and itself (both 2 and 3 are factors of 6)

If you are familiar with prime numbers, then you should recognize that a positive integer is either prime or composite--these two terms are mutually exclusive.

Examples of Composite Numbers

  • 4
    • 4 is composite because 2 is a factor
  • 8
    • 8 is a composite number because it has 4 and 2 as factors

Non examples of Composite Numbers

  • 5
    • 5 is not a composite number because its only factors are 1 and itself (5). 5 is, however, a prime number.
  • 2
    • 2 is not a composite number because its only factors are 1 and itself (2). 2 is, however, a prime number. 2 is also the even number that is not composite. Every other even number is indeed a composite number.
  • 7
    • 7 is not a composite number because its only factors are 1 and itself (7). 7 is, however, a prime number.