To determine if 1988 is a prime number or a composite number, we simply look at the factors for 1988.
If the factors of 1988 are only 1988 and 1, then we know that 1988 is a prime number. Otherwise, 1988 is a composite number.
To explain better, if 1988 is only divisible by 1 and 1988, then it is a prime number, and if 1988 is divisible by more than 1988 and 1, then it is a composite number.
The factors of 1988 are as follows:
1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 28, 71, 142, 284, 497, 994, 1988
Therefore, since 1988 is divisible by more than one and itself, the answer to the
question "Is 1988 prime or composite?" is highlighted in blue below.
composite
Is 1989 prime or composite?
OK. Now you know that 1988 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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