Absolutely! Let’s solve each factor tree step by step and write the prime factorization in both
expanded form (product of primes) and
exponential form.
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🔢 Example: 16
As shown:
- 16 = 2 × 8
- 8 = 2 × 4
- 4 = 2 × 2
→ All factors are prime: 2, 2, 2, 2
→
16 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 2⁴
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##
✔ Problem 1: 36
Start with 36.
We can split 36 into:
- 36 =
2 ×
18 → 2 is prime (blue circle), 18 is not (orange box)
- 18 =
2 ×
9 → 2 is prime, 9 is not
- 9 =
3 ×
3 → both 3s are prime
✔ So, prime factors: 2, 2, 3, 3
→
36 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 = 2² × 3²
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##
✔ Problem 2: 54
Start with 54.
Split 54:
- 54 =
2 ×
27 → 2 is prime, 27 is not
- 27 =
3 ×
9 → 3 is prime, 9 is not
- 9 =
3 ×
3 → both 3s are prime
✔ Prime factors: 2, 3, 3, 3
→
54 = 2 × 3 × 3 × 3 = 2 × 3³
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##
✔ Problem 3: 135
Start with 135.
Split 135:
- 135 =
5 ×
27 → 5 is prime, 27 is not
- 27 =
3 ×
9 → 3 is prime, 9 is not
- 9 =
3 ×
3 → both 3s are prime
✔ Prime factors: 5, 3, 3, 3
→
135 = 3 × 3 × 3 × 5 = 3³ × 5
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##
✔ Problem 4: 525
Start with 525.
Split 525:
- 525 =
5 ×
105 → 5 is prime, 105 is not
- 105 =
5 ×
21 → 5 is prime, 21 is not
- 21 =
3 ×
7 → both 3 and 7 are prime
✔ Prime factors: 5, 5, 3, 7
→
525 = 3 × 5 × 5 × 7 = 3 × 5² × 7
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##
✔ Problem 5: 693
Start with 693.
Split 693:
- 693 =
3 ×
231 → 3 is prime, 231 is not
- 231 =
3 ×
77 → 3 is prime, 77 is not
- 77 =
7 ×
11 → both 7 and 11 are prime
✔ Prime factors: 3, 3, 7, 11
→
693 = 3 × 3 × 7 × 11 = 3² × 7 × 11
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## 📝 Final Answers (to fill in the worksheet):
| Number | Expanded Form | Exponential Form |
|--------|---------------------------|------------------------|
| 36 | 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 | 2² × 3² |
| 54 | 2 × 3 × 3 × 3 | 2 × 3³ |
| 135 | 3 × 3 × 3 × 5 | 3³ × 5 |
| 525 | 3 × 5 × 5 × 7 | 3 × 5² × 7 |
| 693 | 3 × 3 × 7 × 11 | 3² × 7 × 11 |
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## 💡 Tips for Factor Trees:
- Always start with the smallest prime factor (usually 2, then 3, 5, 7, etc.).
- Keep breaking down
non-prime numbers until all branches end in
prime numbers.
- Count repeated primes and write them as exponents for exponential form.
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Let me know if you’d like to see the completed factor trees drawn out visually too! 😊
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of factor tree worksheet 5th grade.