Question
(b) Is 338 prime? If not, state the smallest prime number by which 338 is divisible. Select the correct choice below, and if necessary, fill in the answer box within your choice. A. The number is not prime. The smallest prime number that it is divisible by is B. The number is prime.
Ask by French John. in the United States
Mar 09,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
The number 338 is not prime. The smallest prime number that divides it is 2.
Solution
1. Write the number \(338\) as a product of factors. Notice that it is even, so it is divisible by \(2\):
\[
338 \div 2 = 169
\]
2. Since \(338 = 2 \times 169\), it is not a prime number because it has factors other than \(1\) and itself.
3. The smallest prime factor by which \(338\) is divisible is \(2\).
Thus, the correct answer is:
**A. The number is not prime. The smallest prime number that it is divisible by is \(2\).**
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Mind Expander
A. The number is not prime. The smallest prime number that it is divisible by is 2. 338 can be divided evenly by 2, which makes it a composite number. In fact, it breaks down to 2 multiplied by 169, further highlighting that it's not a prime number. Prime numbers are those with only two distinct positive divisors: 1 and themselves, whereas 338 has multiple divisors, so it doesn't fit the bill!