What is a composite number?

A composite number is a positive integer that has more than two distinct positive divisors. This means that in addition to being divisible by 1 and itself, it can be divided by at least one other number. For example, the number 6 is composite because it can be divided by 1, 2, 3, and 6. Composite numbers are the opposite of prime numbers, which only have two divisors: 1 and themselves. The smallest composite number is 4, and as you explore larger numbers, you’ll find that the majority of integers are composite. It's like a party where everyone gets a plus-one—more friends means more dividers!