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Last updated on May 2nd, 2025
The numbers that have only two factors, which are 1 and themselves, are called prime numbers. For encryption, computer algorithms, and barcode generation, prime numbers are used. In this topic, we will be discussing whether 272 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, 5 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, 8 is divisible by 1, 2, 4, and 8, making it a composite number.
Prime numbers follow a few properties like:
The characteristic of a prime number is that it has only two divisors: 1 and itself. Since 272 has more than two factors, it is not a prime number. A few methods are used to distinguish between prime and composite numbers:
The method in which we count the number of divisors to categorize numbers as prime or composite is called the counting divisors method. Based on the count of the divisors, we categorize numbers as either prime or composite.
Let’s check whether 272 is prime or composite.
Step 1: All numbers are divisible by 1 and itself.
Step 2: Divide 272 by 2. It is divisible by 2, so 2 is a factor of 272.
Step 3: Continue checking divisibility by successive integers.
Since 272 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 is 2, which is an even number, meaning that 272 is divisible by 2.
Divisibility by 3: The sum of the digits in 272 is 11. Since 11 is not divisible by 3, 272 is also not divisible by 3.
Divisibility by 4: The last two digits of 272 are 72, which is divisible by 4. Therefore, 272 is divisible by 4.
Divisibility by 5: The unit’s place digit is 2. Therefore, 272 is not divisible by 5.
Since 272 is divisible by more than two numbers, 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 sequentially.
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 the next uncrossed number (3) and cross out all its multiples.
Step 5: Repeat this process until the desired range is covered. Through this process, we will have a list of prime numbers.
Since 272 is not present in this list, 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 272 as 2 × 136.
Step 2: In 2 × 136, 136 is a composite number. Further, break 136 into 2 × 68.
Step 3: Continue factorization: 68 = 2 × 34, and 34 = 2 × 17.
Step 4: Now we get the product consisting of only prime numbers.
Hence, the prime factorization of 272 is 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 17.
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.