108 (Number)
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108 is a natural number that falls within the ordinary sequence of numbers. It comes after 107 and before 109. It is an even number, since it can be divided by two.
108 has many divisors compared to nearby numbers, making it frequently used in mathematics and the division of groups. It also appears in the cultures and religions of some Asian societies.
Mathematical Properties
108 can be expressed as a prime factorization as follows: 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 3, or 2² × 3³. In total, it has 12 divisors: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 27, 36, 54, and 108. It is not a prime number, since it has divisors other than 1 and itself.
The sum of its proper divisors—those smaller than the number itself—is 172, which exceeds 108. For this reason, 108 is classified as an abundant number. It is also the product of 4 and 27 (4 × 27), and the result of 12 × 9.
Representation in Different Number Systems
In Roman numerals, 108 is written CVIII. In binary (base 2), it is 1101100. In hexadecimal (base 16), it is 6C.
Cultural Use
108 holds significance in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. For example, prayer beads (mala) used in recitation of prayers often consist of 108 beads. The explanations given for this number vary and are tied to different beliefs and hidden meanings; there is no single universally agreed upon explanation.