Number 1 has positive divisors as 1 and itself. According to the definition of prime numbers, any number having only two positive divisors are known as prime numbers. So, is 1 a prime number or not? Is it a composite number?
The answer to this question is: No, 1 is not a prime number and it is not a composite number!
Lesson Summary:
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Is 1 a prime number? |
No, it is not a prime number. |
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Is 1 a composite number? |
No, it is not a composite number. |
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What are the factors of 1? |
There is only one factor of 1 i.e. 1. |
Why is 1 not a Prime Number?
The answer to this lies in the definition of prime numbers itself. For a number to be called as a prime number, it must have only two positive factors. Now, for 1, the number of positive divisors or factors is only one i.e. 1 itself. So, number one is not a prime number.
Note: 2 is the smallest number that satisfies the definition of prime numbers.
Try it Yourself: Prime Numbers Calculator
So, What is 1 Called if it is Not a Prime Number?
The number one is neither a prime nor a composite. In mathematics, there are various categories of numbers in which number 1 falls. So, 1 can be called by any of the following:
- A natural number
- An odd number
- A rational number
- A positive integer
- A whole number
Also Check: How to Find Prime Numbers
But, Why is 1 Not a Composite Number?
The answer to this also lies in the definition of composite numbers. According to the definition, a composite number is a natural number which more than two positive factors. But, 1 has only 1 factor i.e. 1 itself. So, one is not a composite number.
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