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A Composite Number is a number that has more than two factors. That means it can be divided evenly by 1, itself, and at least one other number. For example, 6 is a composite number because you can divide it by 1, 2, 3, and 6.
So, while 7 is only divisible by 1 and 7 (making it a prime number), 6 is divisible by more than just 1 and itself — that’s what makes it composite.
Let’s take 12 for example:
You can do 3 × 4
Or 2 × 6
Or 1 × 12
Because 12 has more than just two ways to multiply, it’s a composite number.
If a number can be divided evenly by numbers other than 1 and itself, it’s composite.
Let’s test:
7 → only 1 and 7 → ❌ Not composite (that’s prime!)
9 → 1, 3, 9 → ✅ Composite!
“Prime or Composite?” Race
1️⃣ Make number cards from 1 to 50.
2️⃣ One player pulls a card and has 10 seconds to say “prime” or “composite.”
3️⃣ Discuss why — and write down the factor pairs if it's composite!
This helps build strong number sense and gets you thinking fast!
Learning composite numbers helps you understand multiplication, division, and factoring. It’s like cracking the code of how numbers are built!
Test your skills with our Missing Operations Quiz! 🎯