If you are at all proficient in elementary mathematics, you know that the answer to this question is a yes. 2 is the smallest prime number, that is, the smallest positive integer whose only positive integer factors are 1 and itself.

I cannot even remember when or where of why I started saying “Is 2 prime?” but this has become my go-to rhetorical question to ask when I want to present a nerdy and comical response to a question that, in my opinion, only has an answer of a definite, positive, obvious yes.

For example, when I was at school last week winding down to Christmas break, students were rewarded hot chocolate for having no missing assignments and leftovers were offered to teachers. When the front office staff came by with the hot chocolate cart and asked if I would like to partake, my response was “Is 2 prime?” and them knowing my eccentric personality, they did not question me; did they understand the artistry and comedy in my statement?

Many students question me at the use of this question. “What does prime mean again?” This is one of the reasons I so love to use this question–it is a great opportunity to spark mathematical conversation. Another reason is to display my hilarity.

“Do you love us?”

“Is 2 prime?”

“Can we have free time?”

“Is 2 composite?”

You get it.

So, what is your go-to rhetorical mathematical question to answer with a yes or no? If you do not have one, I implore you to adopt one. It will serve you well at dinner parties and in general social scenarios, where you can sprinkle some mathematics into the conversation.