Is there only one way to create a factor tree explain?

Answer 1

A composite number has a unique prime factorization, but there can be different factor trees that lead to it depending on what factors you choose.

36

18,2

9,2,2

3,3,2,2

36

6,6

2,3,6

2,3,2,3

36

9,4

3,3,4

3,3,2,2

36

12,3

3,4,3

3,2,2,3

Answer 2

No, there is not. However, the final outcome must be the same - that is the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic.