If 12 is divisible by 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12, what can be said about 12?

• A. It is a prime number
• B. It is an irrational number
• C. It is a composite number
• D. It is a whole number

Answer: (C)

The statement that 12 is divisible by 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 indicates that 12 has multiple factors. A prime number, by definition, has only two distinct positive divisors: 1 and itself. Since 12 has more than two factors, it cannot be classified as a prime number.

Furthermore, since 12 has factors other than itself and 1, it is classified as a composite number. Composite numbers are integers that have at least one divisor other than 1 and themselves. In the case of 12, the presence of factors like 2, 3, 4, and 6 confirms that it is indeed composite.

While it's also true that 12 is a whole number, the distinguishing characteristic here is its divisibility and the presence of multiple factors, which specifically classifies it as a composite number.