Prime and Composite Numbers

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering prime numbers, composite numbers, factors, prime factorization, and factor trees based on lecture notes.

factor

A number that can be divided evenly into another number.

prime number

A number with exactly two factors ($1$ and the number itself).

composite number

A number with more than two factors.

prime factorization

Finding the prime numbers that multiply together to make the original number, or a way to break a number down to find all the factors for a number.

Number 1

The only number that is neither prime nor composite because it only has one factor.

Prime Factorization of 16

$$2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2$$

Prime Factorization of 20

$$2 \times 2 \times 5$$

Prime Factorization of Prime vs. Composite Numbers

The prime factorization of a prime number uses only $1$ and the number itself (for example, $31 \times 1$), whereas a composite number will have several factors in its prime factorization and none will be $1$ or itself.

Prime or Composite Chart

A chart identifying whether $6$, $22$, $27$, and $31$ are prime (P) or composite (C) along with their complete list of factors.