Fill in the blanks:
1 is neither____ nor___

Answer

To solve the question "1 is neither ____ nor ____", we need to identify the categories that the number 1 does not belong to.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Prime Numbers**:
- A prime number is defined as a number that has exactly two distinct positive divisors: 1 and itself.
- For example, the number 2 has divisors 1 and 2, making it a prime number.

**Hint**: Recall the definition of prime numbers and think about how many divisors the number 1 has.

2. **Analyzing the Number 1**:
- The number 1 has only one divisor, which is itself (1).
- Since it does not meet the requirement of having exactly two distinct divisors, it is not a prime number.

**Hint**: Consider how many divisors the number 1 has compared to the definition of prime numbers.

3. **Understanding Composite Numbers**:
- A composite number is defined as a number that has more than two distinct positive divisors.
- For example, the number 4 has divisors 1, 2, and 4, making it a composite number.

**Hint**: Think about what it means for a number to have more than two divisors.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Since 1 does not have two distinct divisors, it cannot be classified as a prime number.
- Additionally, since it does not have more than two divisors, it cannot be classified as a composite number either.

**Final Answer**: Therefore, we fill in the blanks as follows:
"1 is neither **prime** nor **composite**."