Divisibility by 4

Topic

Prime and Composite Numbers

Definition

A number is divisible by 4 if the number formed by its last two digits is divisible by 4.

Description

In the context of prime and composite numbers, understanding divisibility rules is crucial. Divisibility by 4 is one such rule that helps in determining whether a number is composite. A composite number is a whole number that has more than two factors, meaning it can be divided evenly by numbers other than 1 and itself. For instance, the number 24 is composite because it can be divided by 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24.

Divisibility rules simplify the process of factorization, which is essential for identifying prime and composite numbers. Prime numbers, by definition, have exactly two distinct positive divisors: 1 and the number itself. In contrast, composite numbers have additional divisors. The rule for divisibility by 4 states that if the last two digits of a number form a number that is divisible by 4, then the entire number is divisible by 4. For example, the number 132 is divisible by 4 because the last two digits, 32, form a number that is divisible by 4.

For a complete collection of terms related to primes and composites click on this link: Prime and Composites Collection.