Number Classification: Is 8 Prime or Composite?

To determine whether the number $n = 8$ is prime or composite, we will use the definitions of prime and composite numbers:

• A prime number is a natural number greater than 1 that has no divisors other than 1 and itself.
• A composite number is a natural number greater than 1 that has divisors other than 1 and itself.

Let's analyze $n = 8$:

Step 1: Since 8 is greater than 1, it can be either prime or composite.

Step 2: List the divisors of 8. The divisors of 8 are 1, 2, 4, and 8.

Step 3: Verify if 8 has divisors other than 1 and itself. We see that 8 is divisible by 2 and 4, in addition to 1 and 8.

Since 8 has divisors other than 1 and itself, 8 is not a prime number.

Therefore, 8 is classified as a composite number.

Thus, the correct answer is composite.