answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Prime Factorization

"Prime Factorization" is finding which prime numbers you need to multiply together to get the original number.

Example 1

What are the prime factors of 12?

It is best to start working from the smallest Prime number, which is 2, so let's check:

12 ÷ 2 = 6

But 6 is not a prime number, so we need to factor it further:

6 ÷ 2 = 3

And 3 is a prime number, so:

12 = 2 × 2 × 3

As you can see, every factor is a prime number, so the answer must be right - the prime factorization of 12 is 2 × 2 × 3, which can also be written as 22 × 3

Example 2

What is the prime factorization of 147?

Can we divide 147 evenly by 2? No, so we should try the next prime number, 3:

147 ÷ 3 = 49

Then we try factoring 49, and find that 7 is the smallest prime number that works:

49 ÷ 7 = 7

And that is as far as we need to go, because all the factors are prime numbers.

147 = 3 × 7 × 7 = 3 × 72

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

All composite numbers can be expressed as unique products of prime numbers. This is accomplished by dividing the original number and its factors by prime numbers until all the factors are prime. A factor tree can help you visualize this.
Example: 210

210 Divide by two.
105,2 Divide by three.
35,3,2 Divide by five.
7,5,3,2 Stop. All the factors are prime.

2 x 3 x 5 x 7 = 210
That's the prime factorization of 210.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the formula of finding a prime factor of a number?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Movies & Television

What is the first step in finding the prime factorization?

Notice whether the number is odd or even. If it's even, the first prime factor is 2.


What is the name of the method for finding prime factorization of a number?

The only name is factorization.


What is a factor firwork?

Factor fireworks, like factor trees, rainbows, ladders, etc., are ways to notate the process of finding the prime factorization of a given number.


How you know that 2 is a prime factor?

2 is a prime number because its only factors are one and itself. Since 2 is a prime number, if it is a factor of your number, it is a prime factor.


What is finding the factors of a number that are all prime?

That's finding the prime factorization.

Related questions

What is the formula for finding a prime number?

Any number that has only two factors is a prime number.


How do you write a factor tree for a prime number?

The purpose of a factor tree is to notate the process of finding the prime factorization. If a number is already prime, a factor tree is not necessary.


What is the first step in finding the prime factorization?

Notice whether the number is odd or even. If it's even, the first prime factor is 2.


Is a factor a prime number?

A factor can or cannot be a prime number Ex: 2 is the factor of all other even numbers its a prime number but 9 is a factor of 18 and its not a prime number A prime is a factor but a factor being a prime number varies


What is tree factor?

A factor tree is one way of notating the process of finding the prime factorization of a given number.


What is the definition of a factor rainbow?

A factor rainbow is a means of notating the process of finding the prime factorization of a given number.


Definition of factor tree?

A factor tree is a way to notate the process of finding the prime factorization of a given number.


What does the word factor tree mean?

A factor tree is a notation of the process of finding the prime factorization of a given number.


What is the name of the method for finding prime factorization of a number?

The only name is factorization.


How do you use factor tree in a sentence?

A factor tree is a representation of the process of finding the prime factorization of a given number.


How do you know if an expression is prime?

You try finding a factor. If there is no proper factor, then it is a prime.


What can be used by using factor trees?

Factor trees are a way of notating the process of finding the prime factorization of a given number.