Question

1. find the factors. prime or composite?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall factor - definition

A factor of a number is a whole number that divides the number evenly.

Step2: Find factors of 42

We start with 1: $42\div1 = 42$, so 1 and 42 are factors. Then $42\div2=21$, so 2 and 21 are factors. $42\div3 = 14$, so 3 and 14 are factors. $42\div6=7$, so 6 and 7 are factors. The factors of 42 are 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21, 42.

Step3: Determine prime - composite nature

A prime number has only two distinct positive divisors: 1 and itself. A composite number has more than two distinct positive divisors. Since 42 has 8 factors (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21, 42), it is a composite number.

Answer:

The factors of 42 are 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21, 42. 42 is a composite number.