To determine if 72 is a prime number or a composite number, we simply look at the factors for 72.
If the factors of 72 are only 72 and 1, then we know that 72 is a prime number. Otherwise, 72 is a composite number.
To explain better, if 72 is only divisible by 1 and 72, then it is a prime number, and if 72 is divisible by more than 72 and 1, then it is a composite number.
The factors of 72 are as follows:
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 72
Therefore, since 72 is divisible by more than one and itself, the answer to the
question "Is 72 prime or composite?" is highlighted in blue below.
composite
Is 73 prime or composite?
OK. Now you know that 72 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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