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Finding Prime Factorization Using a Factor Tree

A factor tree is a diagram used to find the prime factorization of a composite number through the following steps:

  1. Split: Choose any two factors whose product equals the given number and draw two branches.
  2. Check: If a factor is prime, that branch is complete — circle the prime.
  3. Repeat: If a factor is not prime, split it into two further factors and continue branching.
  4. Collect: Once every branch terminates in a circled prime, write the original number as the product of all the circled primes, listed in ascending order. Always multiply the resulting primes together to verify they equal the original number. Regardless of which factor pair you choose at each step, the final set of prime factors will be the same.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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OpenStax

Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Algebra

Math

Ch.7 Factoring - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Prealgebra

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