What is a composite number?

What is a composite number?

• A. A number greater than 1 with only two factors
• B. A whole number greater than 1 that has more than two factors
• C. A prime number that can be divided evenly
• D. A whole number with exactly three factors

Answer: (B)

A composite number is defined specifically as a whole number greater than 1 that has more than two factors. This means that a composite number can be divided evenly by numbers other than just 1 and itself. For example, the number 6 is composite because it can be divided evenly by 1, 2, 3, and 6. This definition sets composite numbers apart from prime numbers, which are characterized by having exactly two distinct factors: 1 and the number itself. Understanding this difference helps clarify the nature of composite numbers in the broader context of number theory. The alternative options provided do not align with the correct definition of a composite number, which is why they do not represent the correct answer.

A composite number is defined specifically as a whole number greater than 1 that has more than two factors. This means that a composite number can be divided evenly by numbers other than just 1 and itself. For example, the number 6 is composite because it can be divided evenly by 1, 2, 3, and 6.

This definition sets composite numbers apart from prime numbers, which are characterized by having exactly two distinct factors: 1 and the number itself. Understanding this difference helps clarify the nature of composite numbers in the broader context of number theory.

The alternative options provided do not align with the correct definition of a composite number, which is why they do not represent the correct answer.