What is the smallest prime number?
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
Explanation:
A prime number is a positive integer greater than 1 that has no positive integer divisors other than 1 and itself. The smallest prime number is 2, because it is the only even number that is prime. All other even numbers are divisible by 2 and therefore not prime.
The other options are not correct. Option A, 0 is not a prime number because it is not a positive integer. Option B, 1 is not a prime number because it only has one positive integer divisor (itself) and therefore does not meet the definition of a prime number. Option D, 3 is a prime number, but it is not the smallest prime number.
Usage:
The concept of prime numbers is used in various areas of mathematics and computer science, including number theory, cryptography, and algorithms.
Conclusion:
The smallest prime number is 2. It is the only even number that is prime and it is the first prime number in the sequence of prime numbers.