______is the smallest odd composite number.

Options

A. 3
B. 7
C. 9
D. 1

Answer

To find the smallest odd composite number, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand Composite Numbers
A composite number is defined as a positive integer that has at least one positive divisor other than one or itself. In simpler terms, it is a number that has more than two factors.

### Step 2: Identify Odd Numbers
Odd numbers are integers that are not divisible by 2. The sequence of odd numbers starts as 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and so on.

### Step 3: List the Smallest Odd Numbers
The smallest odd numbers are:
- 1
- 3
- 5
- 7
- 9
- 11

### Step 4: Check Which of These Odd Numbers Are Composite
Now, we will check each of these odd numbers to see if they are composite:
- **1**: Not composite (only one factor: 1)
- **3**: Not composite (factors: 1, 3)
- **5**: Not composite (factors: 1, 5)
- **7**: Not composite (factors: 1, 7)
- **9**: Composite (factors: 1, 3, 9)
- **11**: Not composite (factors: 1, 11)

### Step 5: Identify the Smallest Odd Composite Number
From the list, the smallest odd composite number is **9**.

### Final Answer
Thus, the smallest odd composite number is **9**.

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