The number 1 is:
A)a prime number.
B)a composite number.
C)neither prime nor composite.
D)can be thought of as either prime or composite.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The number 1 is neither prime nor composite. A prime number is defined as a positive integer greater than 1 that has no positive integer divisors other than 1 and itself. The number 1 only has one positive divisor, which is itself, so it does not meet the definition of a prime number. A composite number is defined as a positive integer greater than 1 that can be divided evenly by at least one other positive integer besides 1 and itself. Since 1 is not greater than 1, it cannot be composite either. Therefore, the best choice is C - neither prime nor composite.

The Number 1 Is