To find how many different whole numbers are factors of 15, we first need to determine what factors are. Factors are whole numbers that can be multiplied together to produce another number.
We begin by identifying the factors of 15. The number 15 can be expressed as the product of its prime factors, which are 3 and 5:
- 1 (1 x 15)
- 3 (3 x 5)
- 5 (5 x 3)
- 15 (15 x 1)
Listing these factors out, we have: 1, 3, 5, and 15. When we count these factors, we find there are four different whole numbers that are factors of 15.
In conclusion, the whole numbers that are factors of 15 are 1, 3, 5, and 15, making a total of four factors.