Question:
The natural number 2 is :
The natural number 2 is :
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2 is a very special number in mathematics: it is the only even prime number.
Keep in mind that 1 is neither prime nor composite, and 2 is the starting point of prime numbers.
Keep in mind that 1 is neither prime nor composite, and 2 is the starting point of prime numbers.
Updated On: Jul 9, 2026
- a prime number
- a composite number
- prime as well as composite
- neither prime nor composite
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks us to classify the natural number 2 as either a prime number, a composite number, both, or neither.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Let us recall the mathematical definitions of prime and composite numbers:
- A natural number $n \gt 1$ is called a prime number if its only positive divisors are 1 and $n$ itself.
- A natural number $n \gt 1$ is called a composite number if it has more than two distinct positive divisors (i.e., it can be formed by multiplying two smaller natural numbers).
- The number 1 is specifically defined as neither prime nor composite.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
• Let us look at the positive divisors of the number 2:
The only integers that divide 2 completely without leaving a remainder are 1 and 2.
• Count the number of distinct positive divisors of 2:
There are exactly two distinct positive divisors: 1 and the number itself (2).
• According to our definition, since 2 has exactly two distinct factors, it is classified as a prime number.
• Note the unique status of 2:
- It is the smallest prime number.
- It is the only even prime number. All other even numbers are divisible by 2, making them composite.
- It cannot be a composite number because it cannot be factored into smaller natural numbers greater than 1.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The natural number 2 is a prime number.
Hence, option (A) is correct.
The question asks us to classify the natural number 2 as either a prime number, a composite number, both, or neither.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Let us recall the mathematical definitions of prime and composite numbers:
- A natural number $n \gt 1$ is called a prime number if its only positive divisors are 1 and $n$ itself.
- A natural number $n \gt 1$ is called a composite number if it has more than two distinct positive divisors (i.e., it can be formed by multiplying two smaller natural numbers).
- The number 1 is specifically defined as neither prime nor composite.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
• Let us look at the positive divisors of the number 2:
The only integers that divide 2 completely without leaving a remainder are 1 and 2.
• Count the number of distinct positive divisors of 2:
There are exactly two distinct positive divisors: 1 and the number itself (2).
• According to our definition, since 2 has exactly two distinct factors, it is classified as a prime number.
• Note the unique status of 2:
- It is the smallest prime number.
- It is the only even prime number. All other even numbers are divisible by 2, making them composite.
- It cannot be a composite number because it cannot be factored into smaller natural numbers greater than 1.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The natural number 2 is a prime number.
Hence, option (A) is correct.
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