Prime Factorization
When you write a composite number as the product of prime factors, you have found the p prime factorization of the number.
A factor tree can help you find the prime factors of a composite number.
What is the prime factorization of 24?
STEP 1: Choose any two factors of 24.
STEP 2: Look at the factors. Are they prime? Composite? Since they are composite, you must continue to find more factors.
STEP 3: Look at the new bottom row of factors. Are they prime? Composite? Since they are prime, you have found the prime factors of 4.
Find out more about prime factorization by reading the explanation below.