NYSTCE 222 - Childhood Mathematics (Grade 1-6) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

A composite number is defined as a whole number that is greater than one and has more than two distinct factors. This means that in addition to 1 and the number itself, it can be divided evenly by at least one additional whole number. For example, the number 4 is composite because it can be divided by 1, 2, and 4. In contrast, prime numbers, such as 5 or 7, have exactly two factors: 1 and the number itself.

The other options do not accurately define a composite number. Specifically, the definition focusing on having exactly two factors pertains to prime numbers rather than composite ones. The statement about being evenly divided by 2 is not a requirement for a number to be composite, as not all composite numbers are even (for instance, 9 is composite since it has factors 1, 3, and 9). Lastly, claiming that a composite number includes fractions and decimals misunderstands the definition entirely, as composite numbers are strictly whole numbers. Thus, the choice that correctly describes a composite number is that it is a whole number greater than one that has more than two factors.