![\"\"](\"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 17 as a product of its factors.
\Write the factors of 17.
\17 = 1 × 17.
\Since 17 has exactly two factors, 1 and itself, it is a prime number.![\"\"](\"http://www.mathskey.com/userfiles/image/steps_images/solution.JPG\")
The number 17 is a prime number.