How do you find the prime factors of 180?

Answer 1

To find the prime factors of a number, divide the number by the smallest Prime number as many times as needed, then by the next smallest prime, forming a "factor tree."

180 / 2 = 90
90 / 2 = 45
45 / 3 = 15
15 / 3 = 5

The prime factors are 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 x 5 or 22 x 32 x 5

Answer 2

Divide 180 by 2 until you hit 45. Divide 45 by three until you hit 5. Write them down.

2 x 2 x 3 x 3 x 5 = 180