Pre-Algebra

> Prime Factorization <

 

Prime Factorization of a Number using a factor tree

A Prime Number is a whole number, greater than 1, that can be evenly
divided only by 1 or itself.
Said another way: a prime is a number whose only factors are itself and 1
For example, 17 is a prime number because its only factors are 1 and 17

 

Not: Factors" are the numbers you multiply together to get another number:

 

Prime Factorization:
A number written as the product of all its prime
factors.

 

For instance, the prime factorization of 8 is 2×2×2, not just "2". Yes, 
2 is the only factor, but you need three copies of it to multiply back
to 8, so the prime factorization includes all three.

 

Prime Factorization of a Number using a factor tree