Classify zero (0) as prime or composite.(1 point)%0D%0AResponses%0D%0A%0D%0Acomposite%0D%0Acomposite%0D%0A%0D%0Aboth prime and composite%0D%0Aboth prime and composite%0D%0A%0D%0Aneither prime nor composite%0D%0Aneither prime nor composite%0D%0A%0D%0Aprime
Zero (0) is neither prime nor composite.
Zero (0) is neither prime nor composite.
By definition, a prime number is a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. Since zero (0) does not meet the criteria of being a natural number, it cannot be classified as prime.
Similarly, a composite number is a natural number greater than 1 that can be formed by multiplying two smaller natural numbers. Again, since zero (0) is not a natural number, it does not fit the definition of a composite number.
Therefore, zero (0) is neither prime nor composite.
Zero (0) is neither prime nor composite.
To understand why, let's first define what it means for a number to be prime or composite:
1. Prime numbers: A prime number is a number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. In other words, a prime number is only divisible by 1 and itself.
2. Composite numbers: A composite number is a positive integer greater than 1 that has at least one positive divisor other than 1 and itself. In other words, a composite number can be divided by more than just 1 and itself.
Now, let's analyze zero (0) based on these definitions:
1. Zero is not greater than 1, so it does not meet the criteria for being a prime number.
2. Zero cannot be divided by any positive integer without resulting in an undefined or mathematically invalid operation. Dividing by zero is undefined in arithmetic.
Since zero (0) does not meet the criteria for being either prime or composite, it falls into a separate category called "neither prime nor composite."