Is 91 a prime or composite number? This question often arises when people are introduced to the concept of prime numbers in mathematics. To answer this question, we need to understand the definitions of prime and composite numbers and then apply them to the number 91.
Prime numbers are natural numbers greater than 1 that have no positive divisors other than 1 and themselves. In other words, a prime number can only be divided evenly by 1 and itself. On the other hand, composite numbers are natural numbers greater than 1 that have at least one positive divisor other than 1 and themselves. This means that a composite number can be divided evenly by numbers other than 1 and itself.
To determine whether 91 is a prime or composite number, we need to check if it has any divisors other than 1 and itself. By dividing 91 by numbers from 2 to 90, we can find out if there are any divisors. If we find a divisor, then 91 is a composite number; otherwise, it is a prime number.
Upon performing the division, we find that 91 can be divided evenly by 7 and 13. Therefore, 91 has divisors other than 1 and itself, making it a composite number. The prime factors of 91 are 7 and 13, and we can express 91 as the product of these prime factors: 91 = 7 × 13.
In conclusion, 91 is a composite number because it has divisors other than 1 and itself. This example demonstrates the importance of understanding the definitions of prime and composite numbers in mathematics and how to apply them to real numbers.