1. The problem is to understand the number 18 and its properties. 2. The number 18 is a positive integer. 3. It is an even number because it is divisible by 2. 4. The factors of 18 are 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 18. 5. The prime factorization of 18 is given by the formula: $$18 = 2 \times 3^2$$ 6. This means 18 is composed of the prime numbers 2 and 3, with 3 squared. 7. 18 is also a composite number because it has factors other than 1 and itself. 8. In summary, 18 is an even composite number with prime factors 2 and 3 squared.