What defines a composite number?

• A. A whole number with two factors
• B. A whole number greater than 1 with more than two factors
• C. A prime number multiplied by a prime number
• D. A number that can only be divided by one and itself

Answer: (B)

A composite number is defined as a whole number greater than 1 that has more than two factors. This means that, in addition to being divisible by one and itself, a composite number can be divided evenly by at least one other whole number. The presence of these additional divisors distinguishes composite numbers from prime numbers, which are defined as having exactly two distinct positive divisors: one and itself.

For example, the number 4 is composite because it can be divided by 1, 2, and 4, while the number 5 is prime, as it can only be divided by 1 and 5. Therefore, recognizing that composite numbers have more than just the basic two factors is critical for properly classifying numbers.