Is number 2 a prime number or not? Since the number two is an even number, many believe that 2 is not a prime number. But, 2 is a very special number!
Why?
So, 2 is a Prime Number or Not?
Yes, 2 is a prime number. According to the definition of prime numbers, any whole number which has only 2 factors is known as a prime number. Now, the factors of 2 are 1 and 2. Since there are exactly two factors of 2, it is a prime number.
Lesson Highlights:
| Is 2 a prime number? | Yes, 2 is a prime number. |
| Can 2 be considered a composite number? | No, 2 is not a composite number as it has exactly two factors. |
| What are the factors of 2? | Factors of 2 are 1 and 2. |
| What is the smallest prime number? | 2 is the smallest prime number. |
| Which number is the only even prime number? | 2 is the only even prime number. |
The Smallest and The Only Even Prime Number!
It is interesting to note that the number 2 is the smallest integer that satisfies the condition of prime numbers. Another interesting thing to note about the number 2 is that it is the only prime number which is an even number. This is because all the even numbers are divisible by 2.
Try it Yourself: Prime Numbers Calculator
Is 2 a Composite Number?
For a number to be a composite number, it should have more than 2 factors. But, the number 2 has only two factors i.e. 1 and 2. Hence, 2 is not considered as a composite number.
So, What Kind of Number is 2?
Below are some of the categories in which number 2 falls:
- A natural number
- A positive integer
- A prime number
- An even number
- A rational number
- A whole number
Also,
- 2 is the smallest prime number
- 2 is the only even prime number
- 2 is the smallest even number
Check: How to Find Prime Numbers
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