Question

The natural number 2 is :

• A. a prime number
• B. a composite number
• C. prime as well as composite
• D. neither prime nor composite

Hint:

Always remember that 2 is the smallest prime number and the only even prime number. All other prime numbers are odd.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine whether the natural number 2 is a prime number or not, we need to understand the definitions of prime and composite numbers.

1. Prime Number: A prime number is a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. In simpler terms, it can only be divided evenly (without a remainder) by 1 and the number itself.
2. Composite Number: A composite number is a natural number greater than 1 that has more than two distinct positive divisors. This means it can be divided evenly by numbers other than 1 and itself.

Now, let's evaluate the number 2:

1. The number 2 is greater than 1.
2. The only divisors of 2 are 1 and 2. It cannot be divided evenly by any other number.
3. Since 2 only has two distinct positive divisors (1 and 2), it fits the definition of a prime number.

On the other hand, 2 is not a composite number because a composite number requires at least three distinct positive divisors.

Therefore, based on the definitions, the number 2 is a prime number.