A number that has more than two distinct factors is called a composite number. In simple terms, a composite number can be divided evenly by numbers other than just 1 and itself, meaning it has multiple positive divisors.
To understand this better, let’s consider the definition of the two primary types of numbers in terms of their factors:
- Prime Numbers: A prime number is a natural number greater than 1 that can only be divided by 1 and itself. This means a prime number has exactly two distinct positive factors.
- Composite Numbers: In contrast, a composite number is a natural number greater than 1 that has more than two positive factors. This means it can be formed by multiplying two smaller natural numbers together.
For example, the number 6 is composite because its factors are 1, 2, 3, and 6. Similarly, 12 is also a composite number, with the factors 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12.
In summary, whenever you encounter a number that can be divided by more than just 1 and itself, you’re looking at a composite number, which is an essential concept in number theory and has significance in various fields such as mathematics and computer science.