What is the smallest prime number?

• A. 0
• B. 1
• C. 2
• D. 3

Answer: (C)

The smallest prime number is 2. A prime number is defined as a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. The number 2 meets this definition, as it can only be divided evenly by 1 and 2. Additionally, it is the only even prime number; all other even numbers are divisible by 2, and therefore have at least one other divisor besides 1 and themselves.

In contrast, the numbers 0 and 1 do not meet the criteria for prime numbers. Zero is not a natural number and does not fit the definition, and one is not considered prime because it has only one positive divisor, which is itself. The number 3 is a prime number as well, but it is greater than 2, which makes it not the smallest prime number.