60

60 is the natural number that follows 59 and precedes 61. It is an even composite number with prime factorization 2^2 × 3 × 5. It has 12 divisors, including 1 and itself, making it a highly composite number for its size. The sum of all its divisors is 168, so the sum of proper divisors is 108; this makes 60 an abundant number. It is also a Harshad (Niven) number since 60 is divisible by the sum of its decimal digits (6).

The number 60 is central to the sexagesimal numeral system developed by ancient Babylonians, which has influenced how we measure time and angles. In contemporary use, 60 seconds constitute a minute and 60 minutes constitute an hour. Circles are subdivided into 360 degrees, with each degree containing 60 minutes of arc and each minute containing 60 seconds of arc.

In science, 60 is the atomic number of neodymium (Nd), a lanthanide metal used in strong permanent magnets, certain glass and ceramic applications, and some laser technologies. Neodymium magnets are common in modern electronics and electronics motors, contributing to advances in various devices.

Culturally and mathematically, 60 appears in contexts involving time and measurement, as well as in number theory as a practical, highly composite figure. The term “sixties” refers to the decade from 1960 to 1969, underscoring how the figure 60 is embedded in historical timekeeping and cultural periods.