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, and barcode generation, prime numbers are used. In this topic, we will be discussing whether 213 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 that is 1. As 213 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 213 has more than two factors, it is not a prime number. Few methods are used to distinguish between prime and composite numbers. A few methods are: 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 213 is prime or composite. Step 1: All numbers are divisible by 1 and itself. Step 2: Divide 213 by 2. It is not divisible by 2, so 2 is not a factor of 213. Step 3: Divide 213 by 3. It is divisible by 3, so 3 is a factor of 213. Step 4: You can simplify checking divisors up to 213 by finding the root value. We then need to only check divisors up to the root value. Step 5: When we divide 213 by 3, 5, 7, etc., it is divisible by 3. Since 213 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 3, which is odd, so 213 is not divisible by 2. Divisibility by 3: The sum of the digits in the number 213 is 6. Since 6 is divisible by 3, 213 is also divisible by 3. Divisibility by 5: The unit’s place digit is 3. Therefore, 213 is not divisible by 5. Divisibility by 7: The last digit in 213 is 3. To check divisibility by 7, double the last digit (3 × 2 = 6). Then, subtract it from the rest of the number (21 - 6 = 15). Since 15 is not divisible by 7, 213 is also not divisible by 7. Divisibility by 11: In 213, the sum of the digits in odd positions is 4, and the sum of the digits in even positions is 1. The difference is 3, which means 213 is not divisible by 11. Since 213 is divisible by 3, 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 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. Since 213 is greater than 100, we can extend the list or use other methods, but 213 is not a prime 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 213 as 3 × 71. Step 2: In 3 × 71, both 3 and 71 are prime numbers. Step 3: Hence, the prime factorization of 213 is 3 × 71.
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 factorization: The process of expressing a number as the product of its prime factors. Divisibility rules: A set of guidelines that help determine whether a number is divisible by another number without performing division. Co-prime numbers: Two numbers that have only 1 as their common factor. Sieve of Eratosthenes: An ancient algorithm used to find all prime numbers up to a specified integer.
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.