even, composite · 42nd positive integer
The number 42
42 is an even composite number. It's known as the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything (Douglas Adams). It is the 42nd positive integer.
Quick reference
| Prime factorization | 2 × 3 × 7 |
| Divisors | 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21, 42 |
| Binary | 101010 |
| Hexadecimal | 0x2A |
| Roman numeral | XLII |
| Digit sum | 6 |
| Properties | even, composite |
Why 42 is notable
The answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything (Douglas Adams).
Reading 42 in NumGrid context
The 42 record above pulls directly from classical number theory plus NumGrid solver-derived puzzle statistics. What follows is the per-entity context — how 42 sits in the broader integer properties and number-guessing puzzles distribution and which underlying factors drive the headline numbers.
The methodology behind every numeric value on this page is publicly documented on the classical number theory plus NumGrid solver-derived puzzle statistics portal and described in detail on this site’s methodology page. Refresh cadence varies by underlying series; the page surfaces the as-of date for each number so readers can trace any figure back to the source release.
For readers using this page as a decision input, the related-entity pages elsewhere on the site provide the comparison set. The most useful comparison for 42 is typically a peer within positive integers within the NumGrid target pool with similar size, similar exposure, or similar geography — not the national-level summary alone.
Frequently asked
Is 42 a prime number?
No. 42 is composite. Its prime factorization is 2 × 3 × 7.
What are the factors of 42?
The factors (divisors) of 42 are 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21, 42.
What is 42 in binary?
42 in binary is 101010. In hexadecimal it's 2A.
What is 42 as a Roman numeral?
42 in Roman numerals is XLII.
What's the digit sum of 42?
Adding the digits of 42: 4 + 2 = 6.