Question 597407: Write 360 as a product of prime factor
Answer by rapaljer(4671)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! First, find any number that divides evenly into 360. Perhaps the number that comes to mind, since it ends in a 0, is 10. Since 10 divides into 360 and the result is 36, you can write 360 = 10*36.
Next, break down the number into 2*5, and 36 into 6*6 (or some other product will do just as well!)
360=10*36
360=2*5*6*6
Keep breaking numbers down until you get PRIME NUMBERS, like 2, 3, 5, 7, etc.
Next, you need to break down the 6 into 2*3, so this is what you have:
360=2*5*2*3*2*3
Write the numbers in order from smallest to largest:
360=2*2*2*3*3*5
Finally, write this product using exponents. Notice that you have 2*2*2, which would be  and  .
I have a section explaining FACTORING NUMBERS on my own website, using "Factor Trees." The easiest way to find the website is to use the easy to spell and easy to remember link www.mathinlivingcolor.com. On this single page website, there is a link at the bottom of the page that takes you to my Homepage.
Near the top of my homepage, look for the link "Basic, Intermediate, and College Algebra: One Step at a Time", and choose Basic Algebra (Chapter 2). Look for Section 2.02 FACTORING NUMBERS.
There you will find explanations that may be easier to understand than your traditional textbooks. If you like my website, please tell your friends and family. It's all FREE. You can contact me by Email at rapaljer@seminolestate.edu.
Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired Professor of Mathematics
Seminole State College of Florida
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