Last updated on May 26th, 2025
The numbers that have only two factors, which are 1 and itself, are called prime numbers. For encryption, computer algorithms, barcode generation, prime numbers are used. In this topic, we will be discussing whether 852 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 852 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 852 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 prime and composite numbers. - 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 852 is prime or composite. Step 1: All numbers are divisible by 1 and itself. Step 2: Divide 852 by 2. It is divisible by 2, so 2 is a factor of 852. Step 3: Divide 852 by 3. It is divisible by 3, so 3 is a factor of 852. Step 4: You can simplify checking divisors up to 852 by finding the root value. We then need to only check divisors up to the root value. Step 5: When we divide 852 by 2, 3, and other numbers, it is divisible by several numbers. Since 852 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 last digit is 2. Since 2 is an even number, 852 is divisible by 2. - Divisibility by 3: The sum of the digits in the number 852 is 15. Since 15 is divisible by 3, 852 is also divisible by 3. - Divisibility by 5: The unit place digit is not 0 or 5, so 852 is not divisible by 5. - Divisibility by 7: Using the method for 7, 852 is divisible by 7. - Divisibility by 11: The alternating sum of the digits (8 - 5 + 2) is 5, which is not divisible by 11. Thus, 852 is not divisible by 11. Since 852 is divisible by multiple numbers, 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 1000 in a systematic grid. 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 have marked all prime numbers up to 1000. Through this process, we will have a list of prime numbers up to 1000. Since 852 is not present in the list of prime numbers, it is a composite number.
Prime factorization is a process of breaking down a number into prime factors and then multiplying those factors to obtain the original number. Step 1: We can write 852 as 2 × 426. Step 2: In 2 × 426, 426 is a composite number. Further, break down 426 into 2 × 213. Step 3: Further break down 213 into 3 × 71, since 71 is a prime number. Step 4: Now we get the product consisting of only prime numbers. Hence, the prime factorization of 852 is 2 × 2 × 3 × 71.
People might have some misconceptions about prime numbers when they are learning about them. Here are some mistakes that might be made.
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 it is divisible by 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. Prime numbers: Natural numbers greater than 1 with exactly two distinct positive divisors: 1 and the number itself. For example, 7 is a prime number. Factors: The numbers that divide the given number exactly without leaving a remainder are called factors. For example, the factors of 4 are 1, 2, and 4 because they divide 4 completely. Prime factorization: The process of expressing a number as the product of its prime factors. For example, the prime factorization of 18 is 2 × 3 × 3. Divisibility rules: A set of rules to determine if one number can be divided by another without a remainder. For example, a number is divisible by 3 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 3.
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.