Step-by-Step Instructions
Write Down the Number
Start by writing down the number you want to find the prime factorisation of. For example, let's say we want to find the prime factorisation of 48.
Find the Smallest Prime Factor
Find the smallest prime number that divides the number. In this case, the smallest prime factor of 48 is 2, because 2 divides 48 without leaving a remainder.
Divide the Number by the Prime Factor
Divide the number by the prime factor you found in step 2. In this case, we divide 48 by 2, which gives us 24. Repeat this process until you can no longer divide the number by the prime factor. In this case, we can divide 24 by 2 again, which gives us 12, and then again, which gives us 6, and then again, which gives us 3.
Write Down the Prime Factorisation
Write down the prime factorisation of the number by multiplying all the prime factors together. In this case, the prime factorisation of 48 is 2^4 * 3, because we divided 48 by 2 four times and then divided the result by 3.
Check Your Work
Check your work by multiplying the prime factors together to make sure you get the original number. In this case, 2^4 * 3 = 16 * 3 = 48, so our prime factorisation is correct.
Using a Calculator for Convenience
While it's possible to perform prime factorisation by hand, it can be time-consuming for large numbers. In such cases, you can use a calculator to find the prime factorisation. Most calculators have a built-in function for prime factorisation, or you can use an online tool to find the prime factorisation of a number.
Introduction to Prime Factorisation
Prime factorisation is a process of finding all prime factors of a given integer. It involves breaking down the number into its simplest building blocks, which are prime numbers. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to perform prime factorisation manually.
What is Prime Factorisation?
Prime factorisation is a way of expressing a number as a product of its prime factors. A prime number is a number that is divisible only by itself and 1. For example, the prime factorisation of 12 is 2^2 * 3, because 2 and 3 are prime numbers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Prime Factorisation
To perform prime factorisation, follow these steps: