Final answer:
The first 3 odd composite numbers are 9, 15, and 21. A composite number has more than two divisors and an odd number is not divisible by 2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks us to list the first 3 odd composite numbers. A composite number is a positive integer that has at least one divisor other than 1 and itself, meaning it can be divided evenly by numbers other than 1 and itself. An odd number is a number that is not divisible by 2. The first few odd numbers are 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and so on.
Further examining these numbers: 1 is not considered a composite number because it only has one divisor, which is itself. The number 3 is also not a composite number as its only divisors are 1 and 3, making it a prime number. The number 5, like 3, is prime for the same reason.
Now let's move to higher odd numbers:
- 9 is the first odd composite number because it has divisors other than 1 and itself (3 × 3 = 9).
- 15 is the second odd composite number (3 × 5 = 15).
- 21 is the third odd composite number (3 × 7 = 21).
Therefore, the first three odd composite numbers are 9, 15, and 21.