answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Because the concept of prime or composite is defined for whole numbers which are greater than 1. 1 is not divisible by any number except for 1 and itself (also 1). From that perspective, it should be classed as a prime. However, if 1 were considered a prime than the fundamental theorem of arithmetic - the unique prime factorisation theorem - would fail, and with it much of the theory of multiplication and division would collapse.

User Avatar

Wiki User

8y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why are 1 and 0 not a prime or composite number?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Is 0 and 1 a prime or composite number?

0 and 1 are neither prime nor composite. No.


Is 576 a prime or composite number?

576 is a composite number. A prime number has only 2 factors which are 1 and itself. Composite numbers are everything else except 1 and 0. 1 and 0 are neither prime, nor composite.


Which number is not a prime or a composite number?

1 is neither prime nor composite.


Is 1851 a composite or prime number?

1851 is a composite number. A prime number has only 2 factors which are 1 and itself. Composite numbers are everything else except 1 and 0. 1 and 0 are neither prime, nor composite.


Is 726 a prime or composite number?

726 is a composite number. A prime number has only 2 factors which are 1 and itself. Composite numbers are everything else except 1 and 0. 1 and 0 are neither prime, nor composite.


Is 1331 a composite or prime number?

1331 is a composite number. A prime number has only 2 factors which are 1 and itself. Composite numbers are everything else except 1 and 0. 1 and 0 are neither prime, nor composite.


Is 753 a prime or composite number?

753 is a prime number. A prime number has only 2 factors which are 1 and itself. Composite numbers are everything else except 1 and 0. 1 and 0 are neither prime, nor composite.


Is 0 or 1 a prime number?

1 is a prime number, but 0 is neither a prime number nor a composite number.


Is 4564282 a prime or composite explain how you determined your answer?

4564282 is a composite number. A Prime number has only 2 factors which are 1 and itself. Composite numbers are everything else except 1 and 0. 1 and 0 are neither prime, nor composite.


Is the number 56 composite or prime?

56 is a composite number. A prime number has only 2 factors which are 1 and itself. Composite numbers are everything else except 1 and 0. 1 and 0 are neither prime, nor composite.


Is 412 a prime or composite number?

412 is a composite number. A prime number has only 2 factors which are 1 and itself. Composite numbers are everything else except 1 and 0. 1 and 0 are neither prime, nor composite.


Is the number 105 prime or composite?

105 is a composite number. A prime number has only 2 factors which are 1 and itself. Composite numbers are everything else except 1 and 0. 1 and 0 are neither prime, nor composite.