Classify zero 0 as a prime or composite
The number zero (0) is classified as neither prime nor composite.
A prime number is defined as a whole number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. Since zero does not meet the criteria of being greater than 1, it cannot be classified as prime.
A composite number is defined as a whole number greater than 1 that can be expressed as the product of two smaller whole numbers. Zero does not meet this criteria either, as it cannot be expressed as the product of two whole numbers.