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Last updated on August 29, 2025
The natural numbers greater than 1 are called prime numbers. Prime numbers have only two factors, 1 and the number itself. Besides math, we use prime numbers in many fields, such as securing digital data, radio frequency identification, etc. In this topic, we will learn about the prime numbers 1 to 12.
A prime number is a natural number with no positive factors other than 1 and the number itself. A prime number can only be evenly divisible by 1 and the number itself. Here are some basic properties of prime numbers:
Every number greater than 1 is divisible by at least one prime number.
Two prime numbers are always relatively prime to each other.
Except for 2, all prime numbers are odd; 2 is the only even prime number.
A prime number chart is a table showing the prime numbers in increasing order.
The chart simply includes all the prime numbers up to a certain limit for identifying the prime numbers within a range.
For kids, it will be less difficult to understand the prime numbers through the chart.
The significance of this prime number chart is used in different fields like the Foundation of mathematics and the fundamental theorem of arithmetic.
The list of all prime numbers from 1 to 12 provides a comprehensive view of numbers in this range that can only be divided by 1 and the number itself.
The prime numbers in the range of 1 to 12 include 2, 3, 5, 7, and 11.
Prime numbers and odd numbers are the numbers that are only divisible by 1 and the number itself.
They cannot be evenly divisible by 2 or other numbers.
2 is the only even prime number, which divides all the non-prime numbers.
Therefore, except 2, all prime numbers are considered as the set of odd numbers.
Prime numbers are a set of natural numbers that can only be divided by 1 and the number itself. Here are the two important ways to find whether a number is prime or not.
By Divisibility Method:
To find whether a number is prime or not, we use the divisibility method to check. If a number is divisible by smaller prime numbers, then it is not a prime number. Prime numbers are only divisible by 1 and itself, so if a number is divisible only by the number itself and 1, it is a prime number. For example: To check whether 7 is a prime number,
Step 1: 7 ÷ 2 = 3.5 (remainder ≠ 0)
Step 2: 7 ÷ 3 = 2.33 (remainder ≠ 0)
Since no divisors are found, 7 is a prime number.
By Prime Factorization Method:
The prime factorization method is the process of breaking down a composite number into the product of its prime factors. The method of prime factorization helps to identify the prime numbers up to 12 by building the smallest blocks of any given number. For example: The prime factorization of 12: Let's break it down into the smallest prime numbers until it can’t divide anymore.
Step 1: 12 ÷ 2 = 6
Step 2: Now, we divide 6, 6 ÷ 2 = 3
Step 3: Take 3, 3 ÷ 3 = 1 (since 3 is a prime number, and dividing by 3 gives 1)
Therefore, the prime factorization of 12 is: 12 = 2² × 3.
Prime numbers are natural numbers that are greater than 1 and have no divisors other than 1 and the number itself. In the divisibility check rule, we check whether the number is divisible by smaller prime numbers. If it's divisible by these numbers, then it's not a prime number.
In this prime factorization method, we break down all the numbers into their prime factors, showing them as the product of prime numbers.
The method of Sieve of Eratosthenes is an ancient algorithm used to find all prime numbers up to a given limit. First, we list all the numbers from 1 to 12. Then start with the first prime number, 2. Mark all the multiples of 2 as non-prime. Repeat the process for the next unmarked prime number and continue until you reach the square root of 12, approximately 3.46. The remaining unmarked numbers are the prime numbers.
Use common shortcuts to memorize the prime numbers: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11.
Use these numbers as a reference.
Practice using the method of Sieve of Eratosthenes efficiently. Numbers like 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12 are never meant to be prime.
Knowing the common powers of numbers helps in avoiding unnecessary checks.
While working with the prime numbers 1 to 12, children might encounter some errors or difficulties. We have many solutions to resolve those problems. Here are some given below:
Is 11 a prime number?
Yes, 11 is a prime number.
The square root of 11 is √11 = 3.316, we check divisibility by primes less than 3.316
(2, 3).
11 ÷ 2 = 5.5
11 ÷ 3 = 3.666
Since 11 is not divisible by any of these numbers, 11 is a prime number.
A teacher gives her class a puzzle: Find the largest prime number under 12. Which prime number is it?
11 is the largest prime number under 12.
Prime numbers are natural numbers that are greater than 1 and have no divisors other than 1 and the number itself.
The prime numbers under 12 are 2, 3, 5, 7, and 11.
Therefore, the largest prime number under 12 is 11.
A student is asked to find the prime numbers closest to 6 but less than 6. What are they?
5 is the prime number that is closest to 6.
5 is a prime number because it is only divisible by 1 and the number itself.
The next prime number after 5 is 7, which is greater than 6.
Therefore, the prime number closest to 6 and less than 6 is 5.
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.