The prime factorization of a number is the process of breaking that number down into its prime number factors. Prime numbers are numbers greater than 1 that have no divisors other than 1 and themselves.
To find the prime factorization of 30, we can start by dividing the number by the smallest prime number:
- Step 1: Divide 30 by 2 (the smallest prime number):
- 30 ÷ 2 = 15
Now we have 2 as one of our prime factors.
- Step 2: Next, we need to factor 15. The smallest prime number that can divide 15 is 3:
- 15 ÷ 3 = 5
Now, we have another prime factor: 3.
- Step 3: Lastly, we are left with 5, which is also a prime number itself.
So, if we combine all of the prime factors we have found, the prime factorization of 30 is:
- 2 × 3 × 5
In summary, the prime factors of 30 are 2, 3, and 5. Therefore, the prime factorization of 30 can be expressed as:
2 × 3 × 5