What is the smallest prime number?

The smallest prime number is 2. A prime number is defined as a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. In the case of 2, it can only be divided evenly by 1 and 2, fitting the definition perfectly. Furthermore, 2 is unique because it is the only even prime number; all other even numbers can be divided by 2, which means they have at least three divisors (1, the number itself, and 2) and cannot be classified as prime.

Other numbers in the question do not meet the criteria for being the smallest prime. The number 1 is not considered a prime number as it does not meet the requirement of having two distinct positive divisors. The number 3 is indeed a prime number, but it is greater than 2. Lastly, 4 is also not prime because it has divisors of 1, 2, and 4. Thus, the answer 2 stands out as the smallest prime number.