Discover the prime factors of 130 in 5 easy steps. Learn how to break down 130 into its simplest building blocks using prime factorization. Understand the concept of prime numbers, factors, and multiples, and master the step-by-step process to find prime factors of any number, including 130.
The prime factorization of a number is the process of breaking it down into its smallest prime factors. In this article, we will explore the concept of prime factorization and provide a step-by-step guide on how to find the prime factors of 130.
What are Prime Factors?
Prime factors are the building blocks of numbers. They are the prime numbers that, when multiplied together, give us the original number. For example, the prime factorization of 12 is 2 × 2 × 3, where 2 and 3 are prime numbers.
Why are Prime Factors Important?
Prime factors have numerous applications in mathematics, computer science, and cryptography. They are used in algorithms for solving complex problems, such as factoring large numbers and testing for primality. Understanding prime factors is also essential for data compression, coding theory, and cryptography.
Step 1: Divide the Number by the Smallest Prime Number
The smallest prime number is 2. We start by dividing 130 by 2.
130 ÷ 2 = 65
Since 65 is not a prime number, we move on to the next step.
Step 2: Divide the Result by the Next Prime Number
The next prime number is 3. We divide 65 by 3.
65 ÷ 3 = 21.67
Since 21.67 is not a whole number, we move on to the next prime number.
Step 3: Continue Dividing by Prime Numbers
The next prime number is 5. We divide 65 by 5.
65 ÷ 5 = 13
Since 13 is a prime number, we can stop here.
Step 4: Write the Prime Factorization
We can write the prime factorization of 130 as:
130 = 2 × 5 × 13
Step 5: Verify the Prime Factorization
To verify the prime factorization, we can multiply the prime factors together.
2 × 5 × 13 = 130
Since the result is equal to the original number, we can confirm that the prime factorization is correct.
Gallery of Prime Factorization Examples
Prime Factorization Examples
We hope you found this article helpful in understanding how to find the prime factors of 130. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please leave a comment below. Don't forget to share this article with your friends and family who may be interested in learning about prime factorization.