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Expert: Steve Holleran - 7/10/2007


Question
Hello:

Can a fraction be a prime number? If not, why, and if none are prime numbers, are they considered composite numbers?

I thank you for your reply.


Answer
Hello,

As far as I know, prime numbers are defined to be positive integers, that is, positive whole numbers.

Technically, they could be fractions , for example the prime number 7 can be written as 7/1.

So in that sense, the prime numbers can all be written as fractions.  Fractions would not be called composite.

Steve Holleran

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Steve Holleran

Expertise

I can help with all math questions from basic math to Calculus. Whether it`s consumer questions, or questions from high school or college students, I have probably dealt with it at some time in my career.

Experience

33 years teaching experience in NJ public schools

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B.S. Mathematics : Wake Forest University 1972 M.S. Mathematics : Monmouth University 1981

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