The factor tree makes it possible to find the prime factors and the prime factorization of a number.
To find out what prime factors and prime factorization are, you can read the concept sheet Prime Factors and Prime Factorization.
To make a factor tree, I have to follow these steps.
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I write the number to be decomposed.
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I find two factors that, when multiplied together, give the starting number. I write them at the end of two branches.
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I decompose the factors which are not prime by writing their factors at the end of two new branches.
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I continue until all the factors at the end of the branches are prime.
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I write the prime factorization of the number as a multiplication equation, using the prime factors at the end of each of the tree branches.
What is the prime factorization of the number 72?
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2 × 3 × 3 × 2 × is the prime factorization of the number 72.
A factor tree makes it possible to find the prime factors and the prime factorization of a number.
To find out what prime factors and prime factorization are, you can read the following concept sheet: Prime Factors and Prime Factorization.
The factor tree method can also be used to calculate the least common multiple or the greatest common factor.
To find out how, you can read these concept sheets The Least Common Multiple (LCM) and The Greatest Common Factor (GCF).
To make a factor tree, I have to follow these steps:
-
I write the number to be decomposed.
-
I find two factors that, when multiplied together, give the starting number. I write them at the end of two branches.
-
I decompose the factors which are not prime by writing their factors at the end of two new branches.
-
I continue until all the factors at the end of the branches are prime.
-
I write the prime factorization of the number as a multiplication equation, using the prime factors at the end of each of the tree branches.
What is the prime factorization of the number 72?
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|
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2 × 3 × 3 × 2 × is the prime factorization of the number 72.