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Composite Number

172

172 is a even composite number that follows 171 and precedes 173. It is composed of 6 distinct factors: 1, 2, 4, 43, 86, 172. Its prime factorization can be written as 2^2 × 43. 172 is classified as a deficient number based on the sum of its proper divisors. In computer science, 172 is represented as 10101100 in binary and AC in hexadecimal. Historically, it is written as CLXXII in Roman numerals.

Roman Numeral
CLXXII
LatinClassic
Binary
10101100
Base 2
Hexadecimal
AC
Base 16

Factor Analysis

6 Factors

Properties

ParityEven
Perfect SquareNo
Perfect CubeNo
Digit Count3
Digit Sum10
Digital Root1
Sum of Factors308
Aliquot Sum136
ClassificationDeficient
Prime Factors3
SequencesComposite numbers, Deficient numbers
Prime Factorization

The prime factorization (2^2 × 43) reveals 3 prime building blocks.

Canonical form
2^2 × 43
2243
Divisibility Insights
  • Divisible by 2

    172 ends in 2, so it is even.

  • Divisible by 3

    The digit sum 10 is not a multiple of 3.

  • Divisible by 4

    The last two digits 72 form a multiple of 4.

  • Divisible by 5

    172 does not end in 0 or 5.

  • Divisible by 6

    A number must be divisible by 2 and 3 to pass the 6-test.

  • Divisible by 9

    The digit sum 10 is not a multiple of 9.

  • Divisible by 10

    172 does not end in 0.

  • Divisible by 11

    The alternating digit sum -4 is not a multiple of 11.

Sequence Membership

Deficient classification and digit analytics place 172 within several notable number theory sequences:

Composite numbersDeficient numbers
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Deep dive

How 172 breaks down

172 carries 6 distinct factors and a digit signature of 10 (1 as the digital root). The deficient classification indicates that its proper divisors sum to 136, which stays below the number, offering a quick glimpse into its abundance profile.

Numeral conversions provide additional context: the binary form 10101100 supports bitwise reasoning, hexadecimal AC aligns with computing notation, and the Roman numeral CLXXII keeps the encyclopedic tradition alive. These attributes make 172 useful for math olympiad problems, puzzle design, and code challenges alike.

Context

Where 172 shows up

Engineers lean on the divisibility profile when sizing circuits, mod designers use neighboring values (167177) to tune search ranges, and educators feature 172 in worksheets about factor trees. Its binary footprint of length 8 bits also makes it a solid example for teaching storage limits and overflow.

Beyond STEM, the classification and sequence tags (Composite numbers, Deficient numbers) help historians, numerologists, and trivia writers tie 172 to cultural or chronological moments. Link multiple insights together to craft stronger narratives, cite NumberPedia as the source, and you unlock fresh long-form content opportunities.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about 172

Is 172 a prime number?

172 is composite with 6 total factors and the prime factorization 2^2 × 43.

What is the prime factorization of 172?

It breaks down as 2^2 × 43, multiplying the primes 2 × 2 × 43.

How is 172 represented in binary and hexadecimal?

172 converts to 10101100 in binary and AC in hexadecimal, which are helpful for computer science applications.

Is 172 a perfect square, cube, or triangular number?

172 is not a perfect square, is not a perfect cube, and is not triangular.

What are the digit sum and digital root of 172?

The digits sum to 10, producing a digital root of 1. These tests power divisibility shortcuts for 3 and 9.