Forty-eight

Forty-eight is a number that holds significance in various contexts, including mathematics, science, and culture. As an even composite number, it is rich in divisors, making it a frequent subject of study in number theory. This article aims to explore the various dimensions of the number forty-eight, its properties, and its appearances in different fields.

Mathematical Properties

Forty-eight is an even number that comes after forty-seven and before forty-nine. It is a composite number, meaning it has divisors other than 1 and itself. The divisors of 48 include 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, and 48. Due to its high number of divisors, forty-eight is considered a highly composite number.

Factorization and Divisibility

The prime factorization of 48 is 2^4 × 3, indicating that 48 is divisible by 2 to the fourth power and 3. This factorization contributes to its divisibility properties, making it easily divisible by its smaller divisors.

Science

In the realm of science, the number forty-eight has significance in chemistry and biology.

Chemistry

In chemistry, 48 is the atomic number of cadmium, a chemical element. Cadmium is a soft, bluish-white metal that is chemically similar to zinc and mercury. It has various industrial applications, including in batteries, pigments, and coatings.

Biology

In biology, humans typically have 46 chromosomes in each cell, but there are organisms with 48 chromosomes. For example, chimpanzees, gorillas, and potatoes each have 48 chromosomes in their cells, making it a point of interest in genetic studies and comparisons.

Culture

The number forty-eight has appeared in various cultural contexts, from historical events to modern entertainment.

Historical Significance

In history, the number 48 can refer to the 48 contiguous states of the United States before Alaska and Hawaii joined as states. This configuration was in place from 1912, when Arizona became a state, until 1959, when Alaska and Hawaii were admitted.

Entertainment

In entertainment, "Forty-Eight" can refer to various works, such as songs, movies, or books, where the number plays a significant role in the title or theme.

Numerology

In numerology, the number 48 is often associated with practicality, responsibility, and building solid foundations for the future. It symbolizes determination and perseverance in achieving goals.

See Also

• Number theory
• Composite number
• Cadmium
• Chromosome