Is 1 prime, composite, or neither?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether the number 1 is classified as a prime number, a composite number, or if it falls into neither category. To address this, we will need to understand the definitions of prime and composite numbers.
Answer
Neither prime nor composite
The final answer is that 1 is neither a prime nor a composite number.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that 1 is neither a prime nor a composite number.
More Information
The number 1 is classified as neither prime nor composite because it does not meet the criteria for either category. A prime number has exactly two distinct factors, 1 and itself, while a composite number has more than two factors. The number 1 has only one factor, which is itself.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking that 1 is prime because it is only divisible by 1 and itself. However, for a number to be prime, it needs to have exactly two distinct factors.
Sources
- Numbers in Their Prime - American Board - americanboard.org
- Is 1 a Prime or Composite Number? - Cuemath - cuemath.com
- Why is 1 neither prime nor composite? - Quora - quora.com
