Question

Describe and correct the error in writing the prime factorization of 60.

Short answer

The correct prime factorization of 60 is $2\times 2\times 3\times 5$

Step-by-step solution

Step-1 – Given

The given number is 60.

Step-2 – To determine

We have to find the correct value for the prime factorization of the number 60.

Step-3 – Calculation

We first divide 60 by the smallest prime number 2.

$60÷2=30$

Then we divide 30 by 2.

$30÷2=15$

15 can not be divided by 2. So, we try by 3.

$15÷3=5$.

5 is a prime number. So we divide 5 by 5.

$5÷5=1$

So the Prime Factorization of 60 is: $2\times 2\times 3\times 5$