What defines prime numbers?

Prime numbers are defined as whole numbers greater than one that have exactly two distinct positive factors: one and themselves. This definition stipulates that a prime number cannot be divided evenly by any other numbers apart from these two. For example, the number 5 can only be divided evenly by 1 and 5, making it a prime number.

While the option stating that prime numbers are whole numbers greater than one is also part of the definition, it is the specific characteristic of having exactly two distinct factors that is the defining feature of prime numbers. This precision is crucial in distinguishing prime numbers from composite numbers, which have more than two factors. Thus, the accurate understanding involves knowing both the factorization and the limitation on possible factors.