79 is a prime number. A prime number is defined as a number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. In the case of 79, the only divisors are 1 and 79, hence it meets the criteria for being prime.
To further explain, a composite number is a number that has more than two positive divisors. For example, the number 6 is composite because it can be divided by 1, 2, 3, and 6. Since 79 does not have any divisors apart from 1 and 79, it cannot be categorized as composite.
In conclusion, 79 is a prime number because it only has two distinct positive divisors.