Is 70 a prime 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 what a prime number is and then analyze the properties of the number 70.
A prime number is a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. In other words, a prime number can only be divided evenly by 1 and itself. For example, 2, 3, 5, and 7 are prime numbers because they have no other divisors. However, numbers like 4, 6, 8, and 9 are not prime because they have divisors other than 1 and themselves.
Now, let’s examine the number 70. To determine if it is a prime number, we need to check if it has any divisors other than 1 and itself. We can start by dividing 70 by the smallest prime number, which is 2. If 70 is divisible by 2, then it is not a prime number. If not, we move on to the next prime number, which is 3, and so on.
Upon dividing 70 by 2, we find that it is divisible by 2, with a quotient of 35. This means that 70 has a divisor other than 1 and itself, which is 2. Therefore, 70 is not a prime number.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Is 70 a prime number?” is no. The number 70 has divisors other than 1 and itself, making it a composite number. Understanding the properties of prime numbers and how to determine if a number is prime is essential in mathematics, as prime numbers play a crucial role in various mathematical concepts and applications.
