Lesson 2: prime Factors
I Can...
...express a whole number as a product of its prime factor.
...express the prime factorization of a whole number using exponents.
...express the prime factorization of a whole number using exponents.
Words to Know
Factors: two or more numbers that are multiplied together to form a product. For example,
3 and 4 are factors of 12.
Prime Number: a whole number that has exactly two unique factors, 1 and the number itself. For example, 3.
Composite Number: a number greater than 1 with more than two factors. For example, 12.
Prime Factorization: a composite number expressed as a product of prime numbers. For example,
12: 2 x 2 x 3
3 and 4 are factors of 12.
Prime Number: a whole number that has exactly two unique factors, 1 and the number itself. For example, 3.
Composite Number: a number greater than 1 with more than two factors. For example, 12.
Prime Factorization: a composite number expressed as a product of prime numbers. For example,
12: 2 x 2 x 3
Examples
1. Identify Prime and Composite Numbers
Video
Example #1 (Answer in your notes for class tomorrow):
Is 29 a prime number, composite number, or neither?
2. Find Prime Factorization
Video
Example #2 (Answer in your notes for class tomorrow):
Find the prime factorization of 75.
Video
Example #1 (Answer in your notes for class tomorrow):
Is 29 a prime number, composite number, or neither?
2. Find Prime Factorization
Video
Example #2 (Answer in your notes for class tomorrow):
Find the prime factorization of 75.
Tips
You can check the prime factorization of a number by first checking to see that all of the factors listed are prime and then multiplying the factors to be sure the product is equal to the original number.
Extra Examples
Click here for additional examples and self check quizzes.
Problems of the DAY
Answers must be submitted by 9am the following school day!
1. Is the number 1 prime, composite, or neither?
2. Find the prime factorization of 72.
1. Is the number 1 prime, composite, or neither?
2. Find the prime factorization of 72.