Deficient number meaning

A deficient number is a positive integer where the sum of its proper divisors is less than the number itself.


Deficient number definitions

Word backwards tneicifed rebmun
Part of speech The part of speech of the phrase "deficient number" is a noun.
Syllabic division de-fi-cient num-ber.
Plural The plural of deficient number is deficient numbers.
Total letters 15
Vogais (3) e,i,u
Consonants (8) d,f,c,n,t,m,b,r

Essentially, a deficient number is a type of integer where the sum of its proper divisors is less than the number itself. Proper divisors are the positive divisors of a number excluding the number itself. In simpler terms, when you add up all the numbers that can divide evenly into a deficient number except for the number itself, the total is less than the number.

Characteristics of Deficient Numbers

Deficient numbers exhibit some interesting characteristics. For instance, the first few deficient numbers are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, and so on. These numbers have proper divisors that sum up to less than the number itself. As the sequence goes on, deficient numbers become less frequent compared to abundant or perfect numbers.

Relation to Abundant and Perfect Numbers

Deficient numbers stand in contrast to abundant numbers, where the sum of proper divisors exceeds the number, and perfect numbers, where the sum equals the number. The classification of numbers into these categories is based on their relationship with the sum of their divisors. Deficient numbers hold a unique position in this classification due to their specific property.

Applications in Mathematics

Deficient numbers have applications in various mathematical concepts and problems. They play a role in number theory, especially in the study of divisors and their sums. Understanding deficient numbers helps mathematicians explore different types of integers and their properties, contributing to the broader field of mathematics.

In conclusion, deficient numbers offer a fascinating insight into the world of integers and their properties. By examining the sum of proper divisors, we can identify and classify numbers into distinct categories like deficient, abundant, and perfect. This classification enriches our understanding of numbers and their relationships in mathematics.


Deficient number Examples

  1. The number 8 is a deficient number because the sum of its proper divisors (1, 2, and 4) is less than 8.
  2. In mathematics, a number is called deficient if the sum of its proper divisors is less than the number itself.
  3. The deficient number 14 has divisors 1, 2, and 7, and its divisor sum is less than 14.
  4. Deficient numbers play a role in number theory and have interesting properties.
  5. An example of a deficient number is 10, with divisors 1, 2, and 5, and a divisor sum of 8.
  6. Understanding deficient numbers is important in the study of abundant and perfect numbers.
  7. The deficient number 20 has divisors 1, 2, 4, 5, and 10, with a divisor sum of 22.
  8. Mathematicians have studied deficient numbers extensively and continue to uncover new insights.
  9. One interesting property of a deficient number is that it cannot be a perfect number.
  10. The concept of deficient numbers dates back to ancient Greek mathematicians.


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  • Updated 03/04/2024 - 23:23:32