A prime number is defined as what?

A prime number is defined as a whole number that has exactly two distinct factors: 1 and itself. This definition is fundamental to understanding prime numbers, as it distinguishes them from composite numbers, which have more than two factors. For example, the number 7 is a prime number because the only divisors that can evenly divide it are 1 and 7. On the other hand, numbers like 6 or 8 are not prime because they can be divided by additional factors, such as 2 and 3 for 6, and 2 and 4 for 8.

The other definitions presented in the choices do not accurately describe prime numbers. While the concept of a whole number greater than 1 is relevant, it does not encompass the essential characteristic of having exactly two factors, thereby failing to fully define what makes a number prime. The description involving multiple integers conveys the idea of composite numbers rather than prime ones. Finally, the choice suggesting a number that results from multiplying another number by itself refers to perfect squares, which have more than two factors, and do not meet the criteria for a prime number.