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Fun with Prime Factorization: Easy Tips for Kids

16

2

M

Maisie W

04/09/2025

Maths

Prime Factorisation Notes

388

4 Sept 2025

1 page

Fun with Prime Factorization: Easy Tips for Kids

M

Maisie W

@maisiew

Prime factorisation is a fundamental mathematical concept that involves breaking... Show more

Prime Factorisation.
Prime factorisation is the process of breaking down
a number into its prime factors, which when multipued
will give the

Prime Factorisation: Breaking Numbers Down to Their Basics

Prime factorisation is a crucial mathematical technique that involves decomposing a number into its prime factors. This process is essential for understanding the fundamental building blocks of numbers and has numerous applications in mathematics.

Definition: Prime factorisation is the process of breaking down a number into its prime factors, which when multiplied together, will give the original number.

To perform prime factorisation, one commonly uses the factor tree method. This approach involves systematically breaking down a number into smaller factors until only prime numbers remain.

Vocabulary:

  • A factor is a number that divides evenly into another number.
  • A prime number is a number that has exactly two factors: 1 and itself.

Example: The number 7 is prime because its only factors are 1 and 7.

The factor tree method for prime factorisation follows these steps:

  1. Start with the number you want to factorise.
  2. Find two factors of the number and write them as a multiplication.
  3. If either factor is not prime, repeat step 2 for that factor.
  4. Continue this process until all factors are prime numbers.

Highlight: The process of prime factorisation continues until you are left with only prime factors.

Let's look at a detailed example of how to perform prime factorisation using factor tree for the number 840:

  1. 840 = 42 × 20
  2. 42 = 2 × 21, 20 = 2 × 10
  3. 21 = 3 × 7, 10 = 2 × 5

Following this process, we arrive at the prime factorisation of 840:

Example: 840 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 5 × 7

This can be written more concisely as:

Example: 840 = 2³ × 3 × 5 × 7

Highlight: This final expression, 2³ × 3 × 5 × 7, is called the prime factor decomposition of 840.

Understanding prime factorisation is crucial for various mathematical operations, including:

  • Simplifying fractions
  • Finding the greatest common factor (GCF)
  • Calculating the least common multiple (LCM)
  • Solving more complex mathematical problems

By mastering the concept of prime factorisation, students gain a powerful tool for number manipulation and analysis, which forms the foundation for more advanced mathematical concepts.



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Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Maths

388

4 Sept 2025

1 page

Fun with Prime Factorization: Easy Tips for Kids

M

Maisie W

@maisiew

Prime factorisation is a fundamental mathematical concept that involves breaking down a number into its prime factors. This process is crucial for understanding number theory and has various applications in mathematics and problem-solving.

Key points:

  • Prime factorisation uses the factor... Show more

Prime Factorisation.
Prime factorisation is the process of breaking down
a number into its prime factors, which when multipued
will give the

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Prime Factorisation: Breaking Numbers Down to Their Basics

Prime factorisation is a crucial mathematical technique that involves decomposing a number into its prime factors. This process is essential for understanding the fundamental building blocks of numbers and has numerous applications in mathematics.

Definition: Prime factorisation is the process of breaking down a number into its prime factors, which when multiplied together, will give the original number.

To perform prime factorisation, one commonly uses the factor tree method. This approach involves systematically breaking down a number into smaller factors until only prime numbers remain.

Vocabulary:

  • A factor is a number that divides evenly into another number.
  • A prime number is a number that has exactly two factors: 1 and itself.

Example: The number 7 is prime because its only factors are 1 and 7.

The factor tree method for prime factorisation follows these steps:

  1. Start with the number you want to factorise.
  2. Find two factors of the number and write them as a multiplication.
  3. If either factor is not prime, repeat step 2 for that factor.
  4. Continue this process until all factors are prime numbers.

Highlight: The process of prime factorisation continues until you are left with only prime factors.

Let's look at a detailed example of how to perform prime factorisation using factor tree for the number 840:

  1. 840 = 42 × 20
  2. 42 = 2 × 21, 20 = 2 × 10
  3. 21 = 3 × 7, 10 = 2 × 5

Following this process, we arrive at the prime factorisation of 840:

Example: 840 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 5 × 7

This can be written more concisely as:

Example: 840 = 2³ × 3 × 5 × 7

Highlight: This final expression, 2³ × 3 × 5 × 7, is called the prime factor decomposition of 840.

Understanding prime factorisation is crucial for various mathematical operations, including:

  • Simplifying fractions
  • Finding the greatest common factor (GCF)
  • Calculating the least common multiple (LCM)
  • Solving more complex mathematical problems

By mastering the concept of prime factorisation, students gain a powerful tool for number manipulation and analysis, which forms the foundation for more advanced mathematical concepts.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user