How to find prime factors

For example, Prime factorization of;

• 12 is 2 x 2 x 3 = 2² x 3
• 18 is 2 x 3 x 3 = 2 x 3²

Division Method

The steps to calculate the prime factors of a number is similar to the process of finding the factors of a large number. Follow the below steps to find the prime factors of a number using the division method:

Step 1: Divide the given number by the smallest prime number. In this case, the smallest prime number should divide the number exactly.

Step 2: Again, divide the quotient by the smallest prime number.

Step 3: Repeat the process, until the quotient becomes 1.

Step 4: Finally, multiply all the prime factors

Factor Tree Method

To find the prime factorization of the given number using factor tree method, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Consider the given number as the root of the tree

Step 2: Write down the pair of factors as the branches of a tree

Step 3: Again factorize the composite factors, and write down the factors pairs as the branches

Step 4: Repeat the step, until to find the prime factors of all the composite factors