Prime Factor Tree Discovering Prime Factors of Any Number Free powerpoints at

Definitions Prime Number – An integer whose only factors are 1 and itself. Factor – a number that can divide another number without a remainder. Prime Factors – an expression of numbers that divides another integer without a remainder where all the factors are prime.

Lets Choose a Number Lets use 36 Choose any 2 factors – lets use 9 and 4 Now lets factor these numbers, too Next, arrange them from least to greatest Last, re-write as exponents 36 49x 22xx33 2 x xx

Lets Try That Again! Lets use 36 again Choose any 2 factors – lets use 3 and 12 Now lets factor these numbers, too Oops, 6 is not prime - lets factor again! Next, arrange them from least to greatest Last, re-write as exponents Look, its the same answer! 36 3xx26 123x 3xx322x 2x3xx23 2 x3232

Lets Re-Cap Composite numbers are made up of factors In a Prime Factor Tree, the goal is to keep reducing each factor to its lowest possible prime factors When you have all the prime factors identified, re-arrange them from least to greatest and re-write them as exponents