Last updated on May 26th, 2025
The numbers that have only two factors, which are 1 and themselves, are called prime numbers. Prime numbers are used in encryption, computer algorithms, and barcode generation. In this topic, we will be discussing whether 310 is a prime number or not.
There are two types of numbers, mostly — Prime numbers and composite numbers, depending on the number of factors. A prime number is a natural number that is divisible only by 1 and itself. For example, 3 is a prime number because it is divisible by 1 and itself. A composite number is a positive number that is divisible by more than two numbers. For example, 6 is divisible by 1, 2, 3, and 6, making it a composite number. Prime numbers follow a few properties like: Prime numbers are positive numbers always greater than 1. 2 is the only even prime number. They have only two factors: 1 and the number itself. Any two distinct prime numbers are co-prime numbers because they have only one common factor, which is 1. As 310 has more than two factors, it is not a prime number.
The characteristic of a prime number is that it has only two divisors: 1 and itself. Since 310 has more than two factors, it is not a prime number. A few methods are used to distinguish between prime and composite numbers. These methods include: Counting Divisors Method Divisibility Test Prime Number Chart Prime Factorization
The method in which we count the number of divisors to categorize the numbers as prime or composite is called the counting divisors method. Based on the count of the divisors, we categorize numbers as prime or composite. If there is a total count of only 2 divisors, then the number would be prime. If the count is more than 2, then the number is composite. Let’s check whether 310 is prime or composite. Step 1: All numbers are divisible by 1 and themselves. Step 2: Divide 310 by 2. It is divisible by 2, so 2 is a factor of 310. Step 3: Divide 310 by 3. It is not divisible by 3, so 3 is not a factor of 310. Step 4: You can simplify checking divisors up to 310 by finding the root value. We then need to only check divisors up to the root value. Step 5: When we divide 310 by 2 and 5, it is divisible by both. Since 310 has more than 2 divisors, it is a composite number.
We use a set of rules to check whether a number is divisible by another number completely or not. It is called the Divisibility Test Method. Divisibility by 2: The number in the ones' place value is 0. Zero is an even number, which means that 310 is divisible by 2. Divisibility by 3: The sum of the digits in the number 310 is 4. Since 4 is not divisible by 3, 310 is also not divisible by 3. Divisibility by 5: The unit’s place digit is 0. Therefore, 310 is divisible by 5. Divisibility by 7: The last digit in 310 is 0. To check divisibility by 7, double the last digit (0 × 2 = 0). Then, subtract it from the rest of the number (31 - 0 = 31). Since 31 is not divisible by 7, 310 is also not divisible by 7. Divisibility by 11: In 310, the sum of the digits in odd positions is 4, and the sum of the digits in even positions is 1. This would mean that 310 is not divisible by 11. Since 310 is divisible by 2 and 5, it has more than two factors. Therefore, it is a composite number.
The prime number chart is a tool created by using a method called “The Sieve of Eratosthenes.” In this method, we follow the following steps. Step 1: Write 1 to 100 in 10 rows and 10 columns. Step 2: Leave 1 without coloring or crossing, as it is neither prime nor composite. Step 3: Mark 2 because it is a prime number and cross out all the multiples of 2. Step 4: Mark 3 because it is a prime number and cross out all the multiples of 3. Step 5: Repeat this process until you reach the table consisting of marked and crossed boxes, except for 1. Through this process, we will have a list of prime numbers from 1 to 100. The list is 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89, and 97. 310 is not present in the list of prime numbers, so it is a composite number.
Prime factorization is a process of breaking down a number into prime factors. Then multiply those factors to obtain the original number. Step 1: We can write 310 as 2 × 155. Step 2: In 2 × 155, 155 is a composite number. Further, break the 155 into 5 × 31. Step 3: Now we get the product consisting of only prime numbers. Hence, the prime factorization of 310 is 2 × 5 × 31.
Children might have some misconceptions about prime numbers when they are learning about them. Here are some mistakes that might be made by children.
Composite numbers: Natural numbers greater than 1 that are divisible by more than 2 numbers are called composite numbers. For example, 12 is a composite number because 12 is divisible by 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. Prime numbers: Numbers greater than 1 that have no divisors other than 1 and themselves. For example, 7 is a prime number because it is only divisible by 1 and 7. Divisibility rules: Guidelines that help determine if one number is divisible by another without performing division. For example, a number is divisible by 2 if it is even. Prime factorization: The process of expressing a number as a product of its prime factors. For example, the prime factorization of 28 is 2 × 2 × 7. Factors: Numbers that divide another number exactly without leaving a remainder. For example, the factors of 4 are 1, 2, and 4 because they divide 4 completely.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.