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 654 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 654 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 654 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 654 is prime or composite. - Step 1: All numbers are divisible by 1 and itself. - Step 2: Divide 654 by 2. It is divisible by 2, so 2 is a factor of 654. - Step 3: Divide 654 by 3. The sum of the digits (6 + 5 + 4 = 15) is divisible by 3, so 3 is a factor of 654. - Step 4: You can simplify checking divisors up to 654 by finding the root value. We then need to only check divisors up to the root value. Since 654 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 4. Since 4 is an even number, 654 is divisible by 2. - Divisibility by 3: The sum of the digits in the number 654 is 15. Since 15 is divisible by 3, 654 is also divisible by 3. - Divisibility by 5: The unit’s place digit is 4, which is not 0 or 5. Therefore, 654 is not divisible by 5. - Divisibility by 7: Doubling the last digit (4 × 2 = 8), then subtracting from the rest of the number (65 - 8 = 57). Since 57 is divisible by 7, 654 is also divisible by 7. - Divisibility by 11: In 654, the difference between the sum of the digits in odd positions (6 + 4 = 10) and the sum of the digits in even positions (5) is 5, which is not divisible by 11. Therefore, 654 is not divisible by 11. Since 654 is divisible by 2, 3, and 7, 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 numbers from 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. Since 654 is not in the list of prime numbers, 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 654 as 2 × 327. - Step 2: In 327, further break it down to 3 × 109. - Step 3: Now we get the product consisting of only prime numbers. Hence, the prime factorization of 654 is 2 × 3 × 109.
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, 654 is a composite number because it is divisible by 1, 2, 3, 6, 109, 218, 327, and 654. - Prime factorization: The process of expressing a number as the product of its prime factors. For example, the prime factorization of 654 is 2 × 3 × 109. - Divisibility: A number's ability to be divided by another number without leaving a remainder. For example, 654 is divisible by 2. - Sieve of Eratosthenes: A method used to find all prime numbers up to a specified integer. - Co-prime numbers: Two numbers that have only 1 as their common factor.
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.