Open In App

Is 0 a Prime Number?

Last Updated : 26 Mar, 2024
Improve
Improve
Like Article
Like
Save
Share
Report

No, 0 is not a prime number or composite number.

Prime numbers are defined as positive integers greater than 1 that have no positive divisors other than 1 and themselves. Hence Zero is not a Prime number.

The definition of a prime number explicitly excludes 1 from being a prime, and since zero is not greater than 1, it doesn’t qualify as a prime number. Prime numbers are fundamental in number theory and play a significant role in various mathematical concepts and applications.

Zero is a unique number with distinct properties. It serves as the additive identity in arithmetic, meaning that when you add zero to any number, the result is the original number. However, when it comes to the classification of prime numbers, zero is not considered part of this category.

Prime numbers are positive integers that are indivisible by any positive integer other than 1 and themselves. Since zero has an infinite number of divisors, including 1, and does not meet the criterion of being greater than 1, it is not classified as a prime number. In mathematical contexts, zero is typically treated separately from prime numbers due to its specific characteristics and properties.


Like Article
Suggest improvement
Share your thoughts in the comments

Similar Reads