What is the prime factorization of -40?

Answer 1

The prime factorization of 40 is 2 X 2 X 2 X 5 or 2^3 x 5.

To find the prime factorization of 40, find the lowest prime factor that will divide into 40.

That number is 2, and 2 X 20 equals 40. 2 is prime, so it is one of the factors. 20 is a composite number, so must be factored.

The lowest Prime number that will divide evenly into 20 is 2. 2 X 10 equals 20. Another 2 is in the prime factorization, so you have 2 X 2 X 10. Ten is not a prime number, so the factoring has to continue.

2 X 5 equals 10. both numbers are prime, so now all you have to do is write out the factorization.

Answer 2

Negative numbers don't have prime factorizations.

Answer 3

23 and 5