Which of the following is a composite number?

Which of the following is a composite number?

• A. 7
• B. 11
• C. 12
• D. 13

Answer: (C)

A composite number is defined as a positive integer that has at least one positive divisor other than one and itself. This means it can be divided evenly by numbers other than just 1 and the number itself, indicating it has more than two factors. In this case, the number 12 qualifies as a composite number because it has several divisors: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. Each of these numbers can divide 12 without leaving a remainder, showcasing that it has more than two divisors. In contrast, the other options presented, which are 7, 11, and 13, are all prime numbers. Prime numbers are defined by having exactly two distinct positive divisors: 1 and the number itself. Therefore, since 7 can only be divided by 1 and 7, 11 can only be divided by 1 and 11, and 13 can only be divided by 1 and 13, they do not meet the criteria for being composite numbers.

A composite number is defined as a positive integer that has at least one positive divisor other than one and itself. This means it can be divided evenly by numbers other than just 1 and the number itself, indicating it has more than two factors.

In this case, the number 12 qualifies as a composite number because it has several divisors: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. Each of these numbers can divide 12 without leaving a remainder, showcasing that it has more than two divisors.

In contrast, the other options presented, which are 7, 11, and 13, are all prime numbers. Prime numbers are defined by having exactly two distinct positive divisors: 1 and the number itself. Therefore, since 7 can only be divided by 1 and 7, 11 can only be divided by 1 and 11, and 13 can only be divided by 1 and 13, they do not meet the criteria for being composite numbers.