1.2 What is a composite number?

A composite number is a positive integer that has more than two distinct positive divisors, which means it can be divided evenly by numbers other than just 1 and itself. For example, the number 6 is composite because it can be divided by 1, 2, 3, and 6. In contrast, prime numbers like 2 or 3 can only be divided by 1 and themselves, making them the opposite of composite numbers. In the world of mathematics, composite numbers play a crucial role in number theory and factorization. They can be broken down into their prime factors, which are the prime numbers that multiply together to make the composite number. For instance, the number 12 can be factored into 2 x 2 x 3, showcasing the fascinating interconnections between numbers!