Number Classification Challenge: Is 14 Prime or Composite?

To solve this problem, we'll determine if the number $n = 14$ is prime or composite by checking its divisibility by numbers other than 1 and 14 itself.

• Step 1: Recognize that a prime number has only two distinct divisors: 1 and itself.
• Step 2: A composite number has additional divisors.
• Step 3: Start checking for divisibility from the smallest primes: 2, 3, 5, etc.

Now, let's work through these steps:

Step 1: Given $n = 14$, check divisibility:
Since 14 is an even number, it is divisible by 2 (i.e., $14 \div 2 = 7$).

Step 2: As 2 is a divisor other than 1 and itself, 14 cannot be a prime number.

Step 3: Verify divisibility confirms that 14 is composed of factors $2 \times 7$.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is that the number 14 is composite.