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Introduction

The number 4 is a natural number that follows 3 and precedes 5. It holds various significances across different fields such as mathematics, science, culture, and philosophy. This article explores the multifaceted nature of the number 4, highlighting its properties, significance, and interesting facts.

Mathematical Properties

In mathematics, the number 4 is not just an integer; it also has several interesting properties:

It is the first composite number, which means it has factors other than 1 and itself: specifically, it can be divided by 1, 2, and 4.
The square of 4 is 16, and the cube of 4 is 64.
It is an even number, meaning it is divisible by 2.
As a power, 4 can be expressed as 2².
In geometry, a shape with four sides is known as a quadrilateral, which includes squares, rectangles, and trapezoids.

Cultural Significance

The number 4 also holds great significance in various cultures around the world:

In many East Asian cultures, the number 4 is considered unlucky because it sounds similar to the word for "death."
In Western cultures, the number 4 often represents stability and order, as seen in the four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter) and the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, west).
In Christianity, four symbolizes the earthly realm and is often represented by the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
In astrology, there are four elemental signs: fire, earth, air, and water, each associated with different characteristics.

Fun Facts About the Number 4

There are four primary blood types: A, B, AB, and O.
In a standard deck of playing cards, there are four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades.
The number 4 is associated with the four humors in ancient medicine: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic.
The representation of the number 4 in Roman numerals is IV.