Last updated on May 26th, 2025
The numbers that have only two factors, which are 1 and itself, are called prime numbers. Prime numbers are used in various fields, including encryption, computer algorithms, and barcode generation. In this topic, we will be discussing whether 653 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 653 has only two factors, it is a prime number.
The characteristic of a prime number is that it has only two divisors: 1 and itself. Since 653 has only two factors, it is 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 653 is prime or composite. Step 1: All numbers are divisible by 1 and itself. Step 2: Check divisors up to the square root of 653, which is approximately 25.5. Step 3: Test divisibility by prime numbers less than or equal to 25: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23. Step 4: 653 is not divisible by any of these numbers. Since 653 has only 2 divisors, it is a prime 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: 653 is odd, so it is not divisible by 2. Divisibility by 3: The sum of the digits in 653 is 14, which is not divisible by 3. Divisibility by 5: The unit’s place digit is 3, so 653 is not divisible by 5. Divisibility by 7: Double the last digit (3 × 2 = 6) and subtract it from the rest of the number (65 - 6 = 59). Since 59 is not divisible by 7, 653 is not divisible by 7. Divisibility by 11: The alternating sum of the digits (6 - 5 + 3 = 4) is not divisible by 11. Since 653 is not divisible by any prime numbers up to its square root, it is a prime 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 1000 in rows and 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, you can identify prime numbers, and since 653 is not crossed out, it is a prime number.
Prime factorization is a process of breaking down a number into prime factors. If a number cannot be broken down further into prime factors, then it is a prime number. Step 1: Attempt to write 653 as a product of two numbers. Step 2: Check divisibility by smaller prime numbers like 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, etc. Step 3: Since 653 is not divisible by any of these primes, it cannot be factored further. Hence, 653 is a prime number.
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 12 is divisible by 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. Prime numbers: Numbers that have exactly two distinct positive divisors: 1 and the number itself. For example, 5 is a prime number. Divisibility: The ability of one number to be divided by another without leaving a remainder. Sieve of Eratosthenes: An ancient algorithm used to find all prime numbers up to a specified integer. Factors: The numbers that divide the 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.
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.