To determine if 1996 is a prime number or a composite number, we simply look at the factors for 1996.
If the factors of 1996 are only 1996 and 1, then we know that 1996 is a prime number. Otherwise, 1996 is a composite number.
To explain better, if 1996 is only divisible by 1 and 1996, then it is a prime number, and if 1996 is divisible by more than 1996 and 1, then it is a composite number.
The factors of 1996 are as follows:
1, 2, 4, 499, 998, 1996
Therefore, since 1996 is divisible by more than one and itself, the answer to the
question "Is 1996 prime or composite?" is highlighted in blue below.
composite
Is 1997 prime or composite?
OK. Now you know that 1996 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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