Math Dictionary / Composite Number
Composite Number
A composite number is a whole number greater than 1 that has more than two factors.
Number SystemGrade 4Grade 5Grade 6GED
What it means
Composite numbers can be divided evenly by numbers other than 1 and themselves.
Also called: not prime
Examples
| 12 is composite because 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 are factors |
| 9 is composite |
| 2 is not composite |
Common mistake
The number 1 is neither prime nor composite.
Try one
Question: Is 15 composite?
Show answer
Yes. 15 has factors 1, 3, 5, and 15.