Step 1: Understand the question We need the smallest 1-digit number that has exactly 4 distinct factors.

Step 2: Analyze 1-digit numbers (1 to 9)

The number of factors of a number $N = (a_1+1)(a_2+1)...$ where $N = p_1^{a_1} \times p_2^{a_2} \times ...$

Number	Factors
1	{1}
2	{1, 2}
3	{1, 3}
4	{1, 2, 4}
5	{1, 5}
6	{1, 2, 3, 6}
7	{1, 7}
8	{1, 2, 4, 8}
9	{1, 3, 9}

Step 3: Identify number(s) with 4 factors → 6 and 8 both have 4 factors.

Step 4: Pick the smallest 1-digit such number → 6 (since 6 < 8).

Step 5: Check if we needed the statements We could find the answer (6) directly without any use of Statement 1 or 2.

Hence, the correct option is: (D) The question can be answered even without using any of the statements.