Is 42 a composite number?

Understand the Problem

The question is asking whether the number 42 is classified as a composite number. To determine this, we need to check if 42 has factors other than 1 and itself, indicating that it can be formed by multiplying two smaller whole numbers.

Answer

Yes, 42 is a composite number.

Steps to Solve

Identify Factors of 42

To determine if 42 is a composite number, we first find its factors. A factor is a whole number that can divide 42 without leaving a remainder.

Divide by Whole Numbers

We check the whole numbers that can divide 42:

1 x 42 = 42
2 x 21 = 42
3 x 14 = 42
6 x 7 = 42

We can see that 42 can be divided by several pairs of whole numbers, not just 1 and 42 itself.

Conclusion on Composite Nature

Since 42 has factors other than 1 and itself (e.g., 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21), it means that there are other whole numbers that can be multiplied together to equal 42. This classification indicates that 42 is indeed a composite number.

Yes, 42 is classified as a composite number.

More Information

A composite number is defined as a positive integer that has at least one positive divisor other than one and itself. The number 42 can be factored into multiple pairs of integers, establishing it firmly as a composite number.

Tips

Misunderstanding the definition: Some might think that a composite number only must have 2 additional factors; however, any integer with factors beyond just 1 and itself qualifies, regardless of how many additional factors there are.
Failing to check all divisors: Only checking some numbers can lead to an incorrect conclusion; all possible factors must be considered.

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