Definition & Details
A **composite number** is a whole number that can be formed by multiplying two smaller whole numbers (other than 1). In simpler terms, it's a number that has more than two factors (divisors).
- It must be greater than 1.
- It has at least one factor other than 1 and itself.
All whole numbers greater than 1 are either prime or composite. The number 1 is neither prime nor composite.
Examples
- 4: Divisors are 1, 2, 4. (More than two divisors)
- 6: Divisors are 1, 2, 3, 6.
- 8: Divisors are 1, 2, 4, 8.
- 9: Divisors are 1, 3, 9.
- 10: Divisors are 1, 2, 5, 10.
- 12: Divisors are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12.
Synonyms
There are no direct synonyms for "composite number," but it is the opposite of a "prime number."
Fun Fact!
The smallest composite number is 4. It's the first number you can make by multiplying two numbers other than 1 and itself (2 x 2 = 4).
Every even number greater than 2 is a composite number because it is always divisible by 1, 2, and itself.