A prime number has exactly two whole number factors, 1 and itself.

A composite number has more than two whole number factors.

Express the number 84 as a product of its factors.

Write the factors of 84.

84 = 1 × 84.

84 = 2 × 42.

84 = 3 × 28.

84 = 4 × 21.

84 = 6 × 14.

84 = 7 × 12.

Factors of 84 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 12, 14, 21, 28, 42 and 84.

Since 84 has more than two factors, it is composite.

The number 84 is a composite number.