my question is how do i find the prime factorization for this number 24
thank you for your help
it is even: divide by 2
2*12
then 12 is even, divide by 2
2*2*6
then 6 is even, divide by 2
2*2*2*3
THANK YOU
To find the prime factorization of a number, such as 24, you will follow a step-by-step process.
Step 1: Start by finding the smallest prime factor of the given number. For 24, the smallest prime factor is 2, as it divides evenly into 24.
Step 2: Divide the given number by the smallest prime factor found in the previous step, and continue dividing until you can no longer divide evenly.
24 ÷ 2 = 12
Step 3: Repeat the process with the resulting quotient from Step 2. Again, find the smallest prime factor and divide.
12 ÷ 2 = 6
Step 4: Continue dividing the quotient until you reach 1.
6 ÷ 2 = 3
Since 3 is a prime number, we cannot divide it any further.
Step 5: Now, write down all the prime factors obtained in each step: 2, 2, and 3.
Therefore, the prime factorization of 24 is 2 × 2 × 3, or in exponential form: 2^3 × 3.
You can also express it as 2³ × 3, which means two raised to the power of three multiplied by three.
I hope this explanation helps!