Is 17 a Prime Number?

Yes, 17 is a prime number. A prime number is a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. When we test the divisibility of 17, we find that it is only divisible by 1 and 17. Therefore, it meets the criteria of a prime number. Prime numbers play a crucial role in algebra and number theory, and understanding them is essential for higher-level mathematics. In Grade 8 math, learning about prime numbers is an important foundational concept for building a strong understanding of algebraic concepts.