The phrase
"number of different purposes" refers to how many unique or distinct functions a particular object, tool, or system can serve.
Full definition
The liver is actually our largest vital internal organ and it serves
a number of different purposes including helping with digestion and ridding the body of harmful chemicals and toxins.
The HCG hormone injection has been approved by the FDA for
a number of different purposes such as fertility, but has still not been approved as a weight loss supplement.
Feathers fulfill
a number of different purposes.
As you defeat enemies and open chests, you collect souls, which serve
a number of different purposes.
As the process moves forward, agents can continue to leverage home inspection reports for
a number of different purposes.