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Is 71 a Composite Number- Unraveling the Truth Behind Its Mathematical Identity

Is 71 a composite number? This question often arises when discussing the classification of numbers in mathematics. In this article, we will delve into the nature of 71 and determine whether it is a composite number or not.

In mathematics, a composite number is defined as a positive integer that has at least one positive divisor other than one or itself. This means that a composite number can be divided evenly by at least one number other than one and itself. On the other hand, a prime number is a positive integer greater than one that has no positive divisors other than one and itself.

To determine whether 71 is a composite number, we need to examine its divisors. A prime number has exactly two distinct positive divisors: one and itself. If a number has more than two distinct positive divisors, it is considered composite.

In the case of 71, we can start by checking if it is divisible by any prime numbers less than its square root. The square root of 71 is approximately 8.4, so we only need to check prime numbers up to 7 (2, 3, 5, and 7) to determine if 71 has any divisors other than one and itself.

Upon examining the prime numbers up to 7, we find that 71 is not divisible by any of them. This means that 71 has no positive divisors other than one and itself. Therefore, 71 is not a composite number; it is a prime number.

In conclusion, the answer to the question “Is 71 a composite number?” is no. 71 is a prime number, as it has no positive divisors other than one and itself. This example highlights the importance of understanding the properties of prime and composite numbers in mathematics.

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