Yes, prime numbers are positive integers.
Prime numbers are defined as natural numbers greater than 1 that have exactly two distinct positive divisors: 1 and the number itself.
Here's a breakdown:
- Integers: Whole numbers (no fractions or decimals), which can be positive, negative, or zero. Examples: -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3.
- Positive Integers: Integers greater than zero. Examples: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. These are also known as natural numbers.
- Prime Numbers: A special subset of positive integers. A prime number must be greater than 1, and its only divisors must be 1 and itself.
Examples of Prime Numbers:
- 2 (divisible by 1 and 2)
- 3 (divisible by 1 and 3)
- 5 (divisible by 1 and 5)
- 7 (divisible by 1 and 7)
- 11 (divisible by 1 and 11)
Why Prime Numbers Are Positive Integers:
Since prime numbers are, by definition, numbers greater than 1 that are only divisible by 1 and themselves, they automatically fall into the category of positive integers. They cannot be negative, zero, fractions, or decimals.
In summary, prime numbers are a specific type of positive integer with a unique divisibility property.
