We note that the other options are not prime numbers because:  $38 = 2 \times 19$  $45 = 4 \times 9$  $57 = 3 \times 19$  Hence by the process of elimination, $53$ is a prime number. 
Which of the following is a prime number? 
A: $$38$$ 
B: $$45$$ 
C: $$53$$ 
D: $$57$$ 