What is a composite number?

What is a composite number?

• A. A number that can only be divided by 1
• B. A number that can be divided evenly by more than two distinct numbers
• C. A number with no factors other than 1 and itself
• D. A number that is only divisible by itself

Answer: (B)

A composite number is defined as a whole number greater than one that has more than two distinct positive divisors, which means it can be divided evenly by numbers besides just 1 and itself. For instance, the number 6 can be divided by 1, 2, 3, and 6. Since it has divisors other than 1 and itself, it qualifies as a composite number. In contrast, the other definitions pertain to different classifications of numbers. The first choice describes a prime number, which can only be divided evenly by 1 and itself. The third choice is another way of describing a prime number as well. The final choice pertains to the concept of self-divisibility, which aligns with primes but does not describe composite numbers. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the definition of composite numbers and highlights why the second choice accurately encapsulates their essence.

A composite number is defined as a whole number greater than one that has more than two distinct positive divisors, which means it can be divided evenly by numbers besides just 1 and itself. For instance, the number 6 can be divided by 1, 2, 3, and 6. Since it has divisors other than 1 and itself, it qualifies as a composite number.

In contrast, the other definitions pertain to different classifications of numbers. The first choice describes a prime number, which can only be divided evenly by 1 and itself. The third choice is another way of describing a prime number as well. The final choice pertains to the concept of self-divisibility, which aligns with primes but does not describe composite numbers. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the definition of composite numbers and highlights why the second choice accurately encapsulates their essence.