Prime Factors | Prime Factorization | Factor Tree

Prime Factors | Prime Factorization | Factor Tree

Prime Factors

The prime numbers among the factors of any number are called prime factors of that number. For example 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12 are factors of 12. Among them 2 and 3 are prime numbers. So, 2 and 3 are prime factors of 12.

Factors and prime factors are totally different. To be a prime factor, factor must be a prime number, and any number which divide the particular number is a factor of that number.

Prime Factorization

Resolving a number into the product of its all prime factors is called the prime factorization. For example 12 = 2 × 2 × 3 is the prime factorization of 12. We can find prime factors of any number by division method or factor tree method.

Factor Tree Method

Factor Tree method for prime factorization of 12 is as follows:

 

And, similar procedure is applied for other numbers for prime factorization by factor tree method.

Division Method

Division method for prime factorization of 32 is as follows:

 

And, similar procedure is applied for other numbers for prime factorization by division method.

Workout Examples

Example 1: Factorize 180 by factor tree method.

Solution: Here, factorizing 180 by factor tree method is as follows:

Example 2: Factorize 240 by division method.

Solution: Here, factorizing 240 by division method is as follows:

 

You can comment your questions or problems regarding prime factors and factorization here.