Finding Prime Factors

Worksheet Description

The worksheet is designed to help students learn how to break down composite numbers into their prime factors. It features a series of numbers (15, 21, 25, 35, 49, 51, 55, 57, 65) each with a diagram of a factor tree, which is a graphical representation showing the factorization process. Students are expected to use these trees to systematically divide each number into its prime factors, writing the factors on the branches of the trees. There’s also space provided next to each number for students to write the complete prime factorization.

The worksheet is teaching the concept of prime factorization, which is the process of expressing a number as the product of its prime factors. This fundamental aspect of number theory is important for understanding the structure of numbers and is useful in various areas of mathematics, including simplifying fractions and finding the greatest common divisors. By completing the factor trees, students enhance their multiplication and division skills and gain a deeper understanding of the properties of prime and composite numbers. The exercise also helps to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as students determine the prime factors of each given number.