Prime Numbers vs Composite Numbers

What is the difference between a prime number and a composite number? First, let us define them both. A prime number is any number greater than 1 that is only divisible by itself and the number 1.

Examples of prime numbers: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 19…

A composite number is any number greater than 1 that is divisible by at least three numbers, including 1 and itself.

Examples of composite numbers: 4, 6, 8, 9... These are valid examples because the number 4 can be divided by 1, 2, and 4:

4÷1 = 4

4÷2 = 2

4÷4 = 1

Notice both prime numbers and composite numbers include numbers greater than 1. The number one is neither prime nor composite.

Watch this educational video that helps us better understand the difference between prime and composite numbers.

For a fun way to practice your knowledge of prime and composite numbers, try the Fruit Shoot Game.