13 is a prime number. A prime number is a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. In the case of 13, it can only be divided evenly by 1 and 13, which means it meets the criteria for being a prime number.
To further understand, let’s look at the definition of a composite number. A composite number is a positive integer that has at least one positive divisor other than one or itself. Since 13 does not have any divisors other than 1 and 13, it cannot be a composite number.
In summary, 13 is a prime number because it has exactly two distinct positive divisors: 1 and itself.