Is the number 14 a prime number? Explain why or why not.

No, the number **14** is **not** a prime number. Here's why: ### Understanding Prime Numbers A **prime number** is a whole number greater than **1** that has **only two distinct positive divisors**: 1. **1** 2. **Itself** In other words, a prime number cannot be formed by multiplying two smaller natural numbers. ### Analyzing the Number 14 Let's examine the number **14** to determine if it meets the criteria for being prime: 1. **Divisors of 14:** - **1** (since 1 × 14 = 14) - **2** (since 2 × 7 = 14) - **7** (since 7 × 2 = 14) - **14** (since 14 × 1 = 14) 2. **Count of Divisors:** - 14 has **four** divisors: 1, 2, 7, and 14. ### Conclusion Since **14** has more than two divisors (1 and itself), it does **not** satisfy the definition of a prime number. Therefore, **14 is a composite number**, which means it can be divided evenly by numbers other than 1 and itself. ### Quick Recap - **Prime Number:** Exactly two distinct positive divisors (1 and itself) - **Composite Number:** More than two distinct positive divisors **14** falls into the **composite** category because: - It can be divided by **1**, **2**, **7**, and **14** without leaving a remainder.