Is 79 a composite number? This question often arises when discussing the classification of numbers in mathematics. To answer this, we need to understand the definitions of prime and composite numbers and then apply them to the number 79.
In mathematics, a prime number is a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. On the other hand, a composite number is a positive integer that has at least one positive divisor other than one or itself. This means that a composite number can be broken down into smaller whole numbers that multiply together to give the original number.
Now, let’s examine the number 79. To determine whether it is a prime or composite number, we need to check if it has any divisors other than 1 and itself. We can do this by testing divisibility with all integers from 2 to the square root of 79. If any of these numbers divide 79 without leaving a remainder, then 79 is not a prime number.
Upon performing the divisibility test, we find that 79 is not divisible by any integer from 2 to its square root, which is approximately 8.9. Since 79 has no divisors other than 1 and itself, it is a prime number, not a composite number.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Is 79 a composite number?” is no. 79 is a prime number, and it cannot be expressed as the product of two smaller whole numbers. This distinction is important in the study of number theory and various mathematical applications.
