To determine if 42 is a prime number or a composite number, we simply look at the factors for 42.
If the factors of 42 are only 42 and 1, then we know that 42 is a prime number. Otherwise, 42 is a composite number.
To explain better, if 42 is only divisible by 1 and 42, then it is a prime number, and if 42 is divisible by more than 42 and 1, then it is a composite number.
The factors of 42 are as follows:
1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21, 42
Therefore, since 42 is divisible by more than one and itself, the answer to the
question "Is 42 prime or composite?" is highlighted in blue below.
composite
Is 43 prime or composite?
OK. Now you know that 42 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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