To determine if 1986 is a prime number or a composite number, we simply look at the factors for 1986.
If the factors of 1986 are only 1986 and 1, then we know that 1986 is a prime number. Otherwise, 1986 is a composite number.
To explain better, if 1986 is only divisible by 1 and 1986, then it is a prime number, and if 1986 is divisible by more than 1986 and 1, then it is a composite number.
The factors of 1986 are as follows:
1, 2, 3, 6, 331, 662, 993, 1986
Therefore, since 1986 is divisible by more than one and itself, the answer to the
question "Is 1986 prime or composite?" is highlighted in blue below.
composite
Is 1987 prime or composite?
OK. Now you know that 1986 is a composite number. Use our logic above and see if
you can figure out if the next number on our list is prime or composite before you check your answer.
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