Steps to find Prime Factors of 72 by Division Method

To find the primefactors of 72 using the division method, follow these steps:

  • Step 1. Start dividing 72 by the smallest prime number, i.e., 2, 3, 5, and so on. Find the smallest prime factor of the number.
  • Step 2. After finding the smallest prime factor of the number 72, which is 2. Divide 72 by 2 to obtain the quotient (36).
    72 ÷ 2 = 36
  • Step 3. Repeat step 1 with the obtained quotient (36).
    36 ÷ 2 = 18
    18 ÷ 2 = 9
    9 ÷ 3 = 3
    3 ÷ 3 = 1

So, the prime factorization of 72 is, 72 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3.

Steps to find Prime Factors of 72 by Factor Tree Method

We can follow the same procedure using the factor tree of 72 as shown below:

So, the prime factorization of 72 is, 72 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3.

How do you define Prime Factors of a number?

Prime numbers, in mathematics are all those natural numbers greater than 1 that have exactly 2 factors which are 1 and the number itself. When we express any number as the product of these prime numbers than these prime numbers become prime factors of that number. Eg- Prime Factors of 72 are 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3.

Properties of Prime Factors

  • For any given number there is one and only one set of unique prime factors.
  • Any number can have only 1 even prime factor and that is number 2.
  • Two prime factors are always coprime to each other.
  • 1 is the factor of any given number, but 1 is neither a prime number nor a composite number. So, 1 is the factor of 72 but not a prime factor of 72.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the smallest prime factor of 72?

    Smallest prime factor of 72 is 2.

  • Is 72 a perfect square?

    No 72 is not a perfect square.

  • What is the prime factorization of 72?

    Prime factorization of 72 is 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3.

  • What is prime factorization of 72 in exponential form?

    Prime factorization of 72 in exponential form is 23 x 32.

  • Is 72 a prime number or a composite number?

    72 is a composite number.

  • Which is the largest prime factors of 72?

    The largest prime factor of 72 is 3.

  • What is the product of all prime factors of 72?

    Prime factors of 72 are 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3. Therefore, their product is 72.

  • What numbers are the prime factors of 72?

    Prime factors of 72 are 2 , 2 , 2 , 3 , 3.

  • Is there any even prime factor of 72?

    Yes there is a even prime factor of 72.