use effective reasoning to determine the composite number described. (1point)
In order to use effective reasoning to determine a composite number, we need to understand what a composite number is. A composite number is a positive integer that has at least one factor other than 1 and itself. In other words, it can be divided evenly by multiple numbers other than 1 and itself.
To determine if a number is composite, we can use a process called factorization. We start by finding the factors of the number, which are the numbers that divide it evenly. If we find any factors other than 1 and the number itself, then the number is composite.
For example, let's determine if the number 15 is composite. We find the factors of 15 by dividing it by all positive integers less than or equal to its square root (the square root of 15 is approximately 3.87). If any of these divisions produce a whole number, then the divisor is a factor.
15 ÷ 1 = 15 (whole number division)
15 ÷ 2 = 7.5 (not a whole number)
15 ÷ 3 = 5 (whole number division)
15 ÷ 4 = 3.75 (not a whole number)
15 ÷ 5 = 3 (whole number division)
From this process, we see that 15 has factors 1, 3, and 5 (other than 1 and itself). Therefore, 15 is a composite number.
By using this effective reasoning process, we can determine if a number is composite by finding its factors and checking if there are any other factors besides 1 and itself.