Prime Numbers, Prime Factors and Composite Numbers 3 - Reasoning

In a mathematical discussion about prime numbers, prime factors, and composite numbers, Malachi, Zach, and Tia each make a statement regarding the properties of prime numbers. Malachi claims that the sum of two prime numbers is always odd, but clarifies that this is true only when one of the two numbers is 2. Tia contends that not all prime numbers have to be odd, pointing out that 2 is a prime number and is even. Zach argues that 69 cannot be a prime number as it has four factors: 1, 3, 23, and 69 itself, making it a composite number.

Upon examining their statements, it is evident that Tia and Zach are correct. Tia's statement is accurate because 2 is the only even prime number; all other prime numbers are indeed odd. Malachi's initial claim that all prime numbers are odd is incorrect because it overlooks the existence of 2 as a prime number. However, Malachi's explanation is partially correct, as the sum of two prime numbers is odd only if one of them is 2, since adding two odd numbers (which all other prime numbers are) always results in an even sum. Zach's assertion about 69 being a composite number is correct, as demonstrated by the factors he lists, which prove that 69 is not prime. Therefore, Tia and Zach's understanding of prime numbers aligns with established mathematical principles.