![\"\"](\"http://www.mathskey.com/userfiles/image/steps_images/step1.JPG\")
A prime number has exactly two whole number factors, 1 and itself.
\A composite number has more than two whole number factors.
\Express the number as a product of its factors.
\Write the factors of 23.
\23 = 1 × 23.
\Since 23 has exactly two factors, 1 and itself, it is a prime number. \ \
\So, 23 is a prime number.![\"\"](\"http://www.mathskey.com/userfiles/image/steps_images/solution.JPG\")
The number 23 is a prime number.