The number 85 is a composite number. A composite number is defined as a positive integer that has at least one divisor other than one and itself. In the case of 85, it can be divided evenly by 1, 5, 17, and 85.
To further explain, when we divide 85 by 5, we get 17, which means that 85 has factors other than just 1 and 85. This confirms that it is not a prime number, as prime numbers are only divisible by 1 and themselves. Therefore, since it has divisors besides 1 and 85, 85 is classified as a composite number.