Last updated on July 1st, 2025
The natural numbers greater than 1 are called prime numbers. Prime numbers have only two factors, 1 and the number itself. Besides math, we use prime numbers in many fields, such as securing digital data, radio frequency identification, etc. In this topic, we will learn about the prime numbers 1 to 16.
A prime number is a natural number with no positive factors other than 1 and the number itself. A prime number can only be evenly divisible by 1 and the number itself. Here are some basic properties of prime numbers:
A prime number chart is a table showing the prime numbers in increasing order. The chart simply includes all the prime numbers up to a certain limit for identifying the prime numbers within a range.
For kids, it will be easier to understand prime numbers through the chart. The significance of this prime number chart is used in different fields like the foundation of mathematics and the fundamental theorem of arithmetic.
The list of all prime numbers from 1 to 16 provides a comprehensive view of numbers in this range that can only be divided by 1 and the number itself. The prime numbers in the range of 1 to 16 include 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, and 13.
Prime numbers and odd numbers are numbers that are only divisible by 1 and the number itself. They cannot be evenly divisible by 2 or other numbers. 2 is the only even prime number, which is not an odd number. Therefore, except for 2, all prime numbers are considered odd numbers.
Prime numbers are a set of natural numbers that can only be divided by 1 and the number itself. Here are the two important ways to find whether a number is prime or not.
To find whether a number is prime or not, we use the divisibility method to check. If a number is divisible by 2, 3, or 5, then it will result in a non-prime number. Prime numbers are only divisible by 1 and itself, so if a number is divisible by the number itself and 1, it is a prime number.
For example: To check whether 11 is a prime number,
Step 1: 11 ÷ 2 = 5.5 (remainder ≠ 0)
Step 2: 11 ÷ 3 = 3.66 (remainder ≠ 0)
Since no divisors are found, 11 is a prime number.
The Prime factorization method is the process of breaking down the composite number into the product of its prime factors. The method of prime factorization helps to identify the prime numbers up to 16 by building the smallest blocks of any given number.
For example: The prime factorization of 16: Let's break it down into the smallest prime numbers until it can’t divide anymore.
Step 1: 16 ÷ 2 = 8
Step 2: Now, we divide 8, 8 ÷ 2 = 4
Step 3: Now take 4, divide the number with 2, 4 ÷ 2 = 2
Step 4: At last, take 2. 2 ÷ 2 = 1 (since 2 is a prime number, and dividing by 2 gives 1)
Therefore, the prime factorization of 16 is: 16 = 24.
Rule 1: Divisibility Check: Prime numbers are natural numbers that are greater than 1 and have no divisors other than 1 and the number itself. In the divisibility check rule, we check whether the prime number is divisible by 2 or 3. If it's divisible by these numbers, then it's not a prime number.
Rule 2: Prime Factorization: In this prime factorization method, we break down all the numbers into their prime factors, showing them as the product of prime numbers.
Rule 3: Sieve of Eratosthenes Method: The method, sieve of Eratosthenes is an ancient algorithm used to find all prime numbers up to a given limit. First, we list all the numbers from 1 to 16. Then start with the first prime number, 2. Mark all the multiples of 2 as non-prime.
Repeat the process for the next unmarked prime number and continue until you reach the square root of 16, which is 4. The remaining unmarked numbers are the prime numbers.
While working with the prime numbers 1 to 16, children might encounter some errors or difficulties. We have many solutions to resolve those problems. Here are some given below:
Is 7 a prime number?
Yes, 7 is a prime number.
The square root of 7 is √7 = 2.64, we check divisibility by primes less than 2.64 (i.e., 2).
7 ÷ 2 = 3.5 Since 7 is not divisible by any of these numbers, 7 is a prime number.
A teacher asks: What is the largest prime number less than 16?
13 is the largest prime number less than 16.
Prime numbers are natural numbers that are greater than 1 and have no divisors other than 1 and the number itself.
The prime numbers under 16 are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, and 13. Therefore, the largest prime number less than 16 is 13.
A student is tasked to find the prime numbers closest to 10 but less than 10.
7 is the prime number closest to 10 and less than 10.
7 is a prime number because it is only divisible by 1 and the number itself.
And the next prime number after 7 is 11, which is greater than 10. Therefore, the prime number closest to 10 and less than 10 is 7.
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.