Understanding Prime and Composite Numbers and Their Application
A prime number is identified through its two factors, or 2 numbers (specific numbers) associated with it. In other words, prime numbers have two factors, that is, the same given number and one.
But, many may wonder what exactly the number itself and the digit one mean? The answer to it is that prime numbers can be divided by the number one and the given number--numbers like: 2, 5, 7, and many more.
This means that when they are divided by 1 (Prime/1) or the number itself, the remainder turns out to be zero. Thus, prime numbers are basically those kinds of numbers that are divisible only by the original number itself and the number one.
Definition of Prime Numbers
A prime number is a number that has exactly two factors greater than 1. And those numbers are: the number 1 and the prime number itself.
A Quick Glance at Examples of Prime Numbers
Let’s look at a few examples of prime numbers to understand them.
- 2 can be seen as a prime number since it has specifically two factors; namely, 1 and 2 (given number).
NOTE: Please bear in mind that we cannot divide the number 2 by any other number completely. This means that when 2 is divided by any number in the set of natural numbers, we would get a remainder.
- The Number 3 turns out to be a prime number simply because it relies on only two factors, and those are 1 and 3.
3. The Number 5 is a prime number-->it is divisible only by 1 and 5 (the number itself)—complete divisibility by 1 and 5. - The Number 7 is a prime number-->it can be divided only by 1 and 7 (the number itself): complete divisibility by 1 and 7.
- The Number 11 is a prime number-->it can be divided only by 1 and 11 (the number itself): complete divisibility by 1 and 11. No remainder when division 11 by 1 and 11 is carried out.
Remember: The smallest and only even prime number is 2-->All other prime numbers are odd.
An Overview: What are Composite Numbers?
Composite numbers are those numbers with more than two factors (think of: 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, and more). This means it can be divided by numbers other than 1 and itself--goes beyond 2 divisible numbers.
Definition of Composite Numbers
A composite number has more than two factors (unlike prime numbers). That is, they give up two factors for a given number (say, 4, 6, 8, etc.) when factorization is done.
Some Important Examples of Composite Numbers:
Let’s take a number 4 and find its factors:
- The Number has three factors-->1, 2, and 4.
- Since it has more than two factors, 4 is a composite number.
Now let us take another example with number 6:
- The factors of 6 are: 1, 2, 3, and 6.
- It is divisible by 2 and 3 in addition to 1 and itself; so, it has more than two factors.
- Hence, 6 is referred to as a composite number.
Let’s try let us try one more example with number 9:
- Factors of 9 are: 1, 3, and 9.
- Since the number 4 has more than two factors, it is referred to as a composite number.
Important Tip: Always remember that the number 1 is neither a prime number nor a composite number. That is, the number one has only one factor-->1.
Essential Differences Between Prime and Composite Numbers
Here’s a comparison to help you remember the differences easily:
|
Feature |
Prime Numbers |
Composite Numbers |
|
Definition |
Numbers with exactly 2 factors—the number itself and number 1. |
Numbers with more than 2 factors--unlike prime numbers. |
|
Factors |
Only 1 and itself |
1, itself, and at least one more |
|
Smallest Example |
2 |
4 |
|
Even Prime Number |
Only 2 |
All even numbers are composite numbers such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12….. |
|
Examples |
2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13,……, etc. |
4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12……… |
Application of Prime in Daily Life: An Overview
Security and Safety
Prime numbers are a very useful type of number, useful for many purposes. They (prime numbers) have been discussed in detail hereunder with application.
To start with, prime numbers can be used for securing data in a way that is safe. That is, it can be used for the purpose of encryption, which can protect your data online.
It's like having a password for an account that shouldn't be known to others. Why this method would work: prime numbers are known to be difficult numbers to crack.
This is one of the reasons why even the banking system relies on the use of some prime numbers at certain times. Reason: the use of it for encryption is considered a very hard-to-crack method--keeps needed data safe.
Factorization
Prime numbers also play a big role when it comes to factorization. Elaborately put, it can be used to break down a bigger number into smaller numbers and find its factors.
So this is more like breaking down a mega-sized LEGO model into smaller ones. Thus, it can be utilized to find the original base model of it--simple bricks used to build it.
Grouping
They can be put into use to group similar items based on prime numbers--group-making patterns.
Example: It can be used to arrange materials such as chairs along a row and mats in non-prime rows.
Actual Application of Composite Numbers: An Overview
When it comes to composite [many-factored] numbers, they carry their own benefits. That is; they can be utilized to well-arrange something into neat groups. These items could be anything like tiles that fit in a perfect [gap-free] pattern.
Finally, it finds its application in game algorithms that can make the game interesting. In fact, their uses make pc/mobile games appealing as they create random game levels based on prime number patterns.
They create unpredictable [never-the-same] enemy paths and fair [player-friendly] scoring. So, these numbers have many real-world [day-to-day] uses.