Question

which number is prime?
17 1 12 20
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Explanation:

Step1: Recall Prime Definition

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

Step2: Analyze 17

Check divisors of 17. The factors of 17 are 1 and 17 (since \(17\div1 = 17\) and \(17\div17 = 1\)), and it is greater than 1.

Step3: Analyze 1

1 is not greater than 1, so it is not prime.

Step4: Analyze 12

12 has divisors like 2, 3, 4, 6 (e.g., \(12\div2 = 6\)), so it is composite.

Step5: Analyze 20

20 has divisors like 2, 4, 5, 10 (e.g., \(20\div2 = 10\)), so it is composite.

Answer:

17