1. The problem is to understand the number 123 as a mathematical object or value. 2. The number 123 is a positive integer. 3. It can be expressed in various forms, such as the sum of its digits: $1 + 2 + 3 = 6$. 4. It can also be factored into prime factors: $123 = 3 \times 41$. 5. This shows 123 is a composite number with prime factors 3 and 41. 6. In base 10, it is represented as $1 \times 10^2 + 2 \times 10^1 + 3 \times 10^0$. 7. Therefore, 123 is a three-digit integer with these properties.