To determine the number of whole number factors of 2023, we use the prime factorization method. The process involves:

1. Expressing the number $2023$ as a product of its prime factors: $2023 = 7 \times 172$ Here, $172$ further factors into $2^2 \times 43$, so: $2023 = 7 \times 2^2 \times 43$

2. Writing the prime factorization in terms of powers: $2023 = 2^2 \times 7^1 \times 43^1$

3. To find the total number of factors, add 1 to each of the exponents in the prime factorization and then multiply the results:

   • The exponents are $2$, $1$, and $1$.
   • Add $1$ to each: $2+1 = 3$, $1+1 = 2$, $1+1 = 2$.
   • Multiply these results: $3 \times 2 \times 2 = 12$

Final Answer:

The number $2023$ has 12 whole number factors.

Would you like a detailed list of these factors or have any other questions?

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Related Questions:

1. How do you determine the total number of factors for any composite number?
2. What is the importance of prime factorization in finding factors?
3. Can we apply the same method to numbers that are prime themselves?
4. How do we list all the factors once we know their count?
5. What is the relationship between prime factorization and divisors?

Tip:

Always double-check the correctness of your prime factorization, as it is the foundation for calculating the number of factors.