Write 24 as a product of prime factors.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the prime factorization of the number 24, which means we need to express 24 as a product of its prime factors.
Answer
The prime factorization of 24 is $2^3 \times 3^1$.
Answer for screen readers
The prime factorization of 24 is $2^3 \times 3^1$.
Steps to Solve
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Start with the number to factor We begin with the number 24.
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Divide by the smallest prime number The smallest prime number is 2. We divide 24 by 2: $$ 24 \div 2 = 12 $$
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Repeat the process We continue to divide by 2 (the smallest prime) again: $$ 12 \div 2 = 6 $$
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Continue dividing by the same prime We divide 6 by 2 again: $$ 6 \div 2 = 3 $$
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Switch to the next prime number Now, 3 is no longer divisible by 2, so we use the next smallest prime number, which is 3: $$ 3 \div 3 = 1 $$
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List the prime factors Now that we have reached 1, we can list the prime factors. We divided 24 by 2 three times and then by 3 once. The prime factorization of 24 is: $$ 2^3 \times 3^1 $$
The prime factorization of 24 is $2^3 \times 3^1$.
More Information
The number 24 is a composite number, and its prime factorization reveals the prime numbers multiplied together to create it. This factorization is useful in various areas of mathematics, including simplifying fractions and finding the greatest common divisor.
Tips
- Forgetting to include the number of times each prime factor is used (for example, not indicating that 2 is used three times).
- Stopping the factorization process too early or not recognizing when to switch to the next prime number.
