32. Which of the following is a composite number?
Answer: C
27 is a composite number.
A composite number is defined as a positive integer that has at least one positive divisor other than one or itself. In this case, 27 can be divided by 1, 3, 9, and 27, making it a composite number.
A) 7
7 is a prime number because it has exactly two distinct positive divisors: 1 and 7. Since it does not have any other divisors, it cannot be classified as a composite number.
B) 17
17 is also a prime number, as it is only divisible by 1 and 17 itself. The lack of additional divisors confirms that it does not meet the criteria for being a composite number.
C) 27
27 is a composite number because it has multiple divisors: 1, 3, 9, and 27. Since it can be expressed as the product of smaller integers (3 x 3 x 3), it fits the definition of a composite number.
D) 37
37 is another prime number that has no divisors other than 1 and 37. Therefore, it cannot be considered a composite number as it does not have the requisite additional divisors.
Conclusion
The correct answer is 27, which is classified as a composite number due to its multiple divisors. In contrast, the other options, 7, 17, and 37, are all prime numbers with only two distinct positive divisors, thereby disqualifying them from being composite.