Fourteen (14) is a natural number that follows 13 and precedes 15. In everyday English it is spelled "fourteen," and in some radio and CB contexts it is known by the acknowledgment phrase "ten-four."
Mathematical properties
As an integer, 14 is even and composite. It is a semiprime because it factors into two prime numbers, 2 and 7. Its positive divisors are listed below:
The sum of its proper divisors (1 + 2 + 7) is 10, which makes 14 a deficient number. It is also the seventh positive even integer.
Notation and representations
Fourteen appears in several numeral systems: in Roman numerals it is written XIV; in binary it is 1110; in octal it is 16; and in hexadecimal it is E. The English name combines the word for four with the suffix "-teen," which historically denotes "ten added to."
Occurrences and uses
The number 14 appears in practical and scientific contexts. It is the atomic number of silicon, an element central to electronics and materials science. A period of 14 days is called a fortnight. Geometrically, a 14-sided polygon is known as a tetradecagon. Age 14 is commonly associated with early adolescence in many cultures.
In summary, 14 is a small but frequently encountered integer with clear arithmetic properties (even, composite, semiprime), simple representations across numeral systems, and recurring roles in language, science, and daily life.