77 is a composite number. A prime number is defined as a number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. In contrast, composite numbers are those that have at least one positive divisor other than 1 and themselves.
To determine whether 77 is prime or composite, we can look for divisors. The number 77 can be divided by 1, 7, 11, and 77 itself. Since it has divisors other than 1 and 77 (specifically 7 and 11), it is classified as a composite number.
Furthermore, the prime factorization of 77 is 7 x 11, which reinforces the fact that it is composite.