A composite number is a number that isn't prime. That means it has more than the factors of 1 and itself. 3 is prime because its only factors are 3 and 1. 10 is composite b/c its factors are 10 and 1, and also 5 and 2. 17 is prime. 24 is composite (8 and 3, 12 and 2) 31 is prime. 38 is composite (19 and 2).