Question :- What is a Prime Number?
Answer:- These are whole numbers that are only divisible by 1 and by the number itself.
e.g. 11 = Divisible by 1 & 11
e.g. 31 = Divisible by 1 & 31
Non-prime numbers can be divided by two or more numbers.
e.g. 9 = Divisible by 1, 3 & 9
Prime Factors
This is prime numbers that are multiplied together give arrive at the number being considered.
e.g. The prime factors of 171 are 3, 3, 19
So 171 = 3 x 3 x 19
To find the Prime Factors of an odd number like 171
1) Look up the prime factor in the table below for 171 which is 3.
2) Divide 171 by 3 to give 57.
3) Look up 57 in the table below the smallest factor is 3 again.
4) Divide 57 by 3 to give 19.
5) Look up 19 in the table below the smallest factor is a P which means its a prime number itself.
To find the Prime Factors of an even number like 60
1) The smallest prime factor for an even is 2.
2) Divide 60 by 2 to give 30.
3) Divide 30 by 2 to give 15.
4) Look up 15 in the table below the smallest factor is 3 again.
5) Divide 15 by 3 to give 3.
6) Look up 3 in the table below the smallest factor is a P which means its a prime number itself.