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154 LearnersLast updated on November 30th, 2024
Is 12 a prime number?
A prime number is said to have two divisors, 1 and the number alone. However, 12 does not follow the criteria. The number 12 has divisors more than 2.i.e., 1,2,3,4,6,12. You must know that in commercial use 12 items make a dozen.
Is 12 a prime number?
No, 12 is a composite number. A prime number should not have divisors more than 2 but 12 has 6 divisors.
The divisors of 12 are 1,2,3,4,6,12. Therefore, 12 is a composite number. Composite numbers are the numbers which has factors more than 2.
Why is 12 a prime number?
A number to be a prime number it should follow the criteria which is that it should not have factors more than 2. 12 has factors more than 2 so it is a composite number.
Given below are a few ways that can be used to find prime or composite numbers.
Using the Counting Divisors Method
In this method, the divisors of a number are listed, and the number is checked, to be called a prime number. The counting divisors method for 12 would simply be
- Divisors of 12=1,2,3,4,6,12
- Number of divisors=6
The number 12 can be considered composite.
Using the Divisibility Test Method
In divisibility method, the prime number only has 2 divisors, which are 1 and itself.
- Divisors of 12=1,2,3,4,6,12
As 12 has factors more than 2 then it is not a prime number.
Using Prime Number Chart
We write the prime number chart up to 10, which helps in sorting numbers.
The prime numbers from 1 to 12 are 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11. 12 is not on the list, so it is not a prime number
Using the Prime Factorization Method
This method is only used for a non-prime number/composite number. Since 12 is a composite number, prime factorization for 12 is :
- Factors of 12 = 2×2×3.
- Prime factors are 2 and 3.
Common mistakes to avoid when determining if 12 is a prime number
FAQs: Is [Topic] a Prime Number?
1.Are 12 and 18 prime numbers?
2.Is 71 a composite number?
3.Is 8 a prime number?
4.Is 4 a prime number?
Important Glossaries for "Is 12 a Prime Number"
- Composite Number: A number that has divisors more than 2.
- Divisibility Method: In divisibility method, the prime number only has 2 divisors, which are 1 and itself.
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Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana
About the Author
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.
Fun Fact
: She loves to read number jokes and games.
