Question

Write the prime factorization, using 'x' between the numbers: 102

i dont understand whta it is asking and how to figure it out

Answer 1

Do you know what a prime number is? A prime number is a number such as 2, 3, 5, 7 (but not 9!), 11, 13 which can't be evenly divided by any numbers except 1 and itself. A prime factorization is just figuring out which numbers need to be multiplied together to make the number you are factoring. For example, a prime factorization of 4 would be 2x2. 12 would be 2x2x3. Start by dividing by 2 as many times as you can, then try 3, 5, 7, 11, 13 up until you reach the point where the number you are about to try times itself > the number you are factoring. If I'm factoring 51, it isn't divisible by 2, so I try 3. 51/3 is 17. Now, 17 isn't divisible by 3, so I think about trying 5, but before I do, I check the value of 5*5, which equals 25. 25 > 17, so I don't need to go any further. The prime factorization of 51 is 3x17.

Try it! If you get stuck, post what you've done and we'll have a look.

Answer 2

so find the factors of 102?

Answer 3

2,5,17,3

Answer 4

@whpalmer4 ?

Answer 5

factor treeeee