Primes & Composites

A prime has exactly two factors: 1 and itself

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About This Practice

A number with exactly two factors — 1 and itself — is prime; more than two makes it composite; and 1 is the odd one out, neither. Tap numbers on the chart to count their factors, then tap “Sieve” to run Eratosthenes’ two-thousand-year-old method: cross out multiples of 2, 3 and 5, and only primes remain.

Tap numbers on the chart to see their factors: exactly two makes a prime, more makes a composite, and 1 is the special one. Tap “Sieve” to run Eratosthenes' sieve — cross out multiples of 2, 3 and 5, and only primes remain.

MediumEstimated Time: 12minprimecompositesievefactor count

How to Play

  1. Tap a number and count its factors.
  2. Exactly 2 factors means prime; more than 2 means composite.
  3. Tap 1: how many factors does it have? Why is it special?
  4. Tap “Sieve” and watch multiples of 2, 3 and 5 get crossed out in turn.
  5. Look at what remains: what kind of numbers are they?

Learning Objectives

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