Is 1 a Prime Number? - Fact Check

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SUMMARY

The number 1 is definitively not classified as a prime number. This consensus is supported by mathematical definitions that exclude 1 to maintain the uniqueness of prime factorization. The exclusion simplifies the formulation of numerous theorems in number theory, such as the fundamental theorem of arithmetic, which states that every integer greater than 1 can be expressed uniquely as a product of prime numbers.

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  • Understanding of prime numbers and their definitions
  • Familiarity with number theory concepts
  • Knowledge of the fundamental theorem of arithmetic
  • Basic mathematical reasoning skills
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Mathematicians, educators, students studying number theory, and anyone interested in the properties of prime numbers.

crystal cascade
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I've heard ppl say it is and it isn't, so is it a prime number? :P
 
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yeah, I was kind of leaning towards that it's not a prime number, thanks for confirming :)
 
Excluding 1 from the definition of prime number makes it easier to state many theorems in number theory.

For example, every integer can be factored uniquely into a product of (unique) powers of primes. If 1 was called a prime, its exponent could be anything.
 

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