7.3 Prime Factorization (p.168-169)

I. Use a factor tree to find the prime factors
A. Steps for prime factorization

1. Choose any two factors (other than the 1) for the number in question. Draw two lines, like branches, down from the original number and write the factors at the ends of the lines.
2. Check the numbers at the ends of the branches to see if they are prime or comoposite numbers. If they are prime, circle them to include as prime factors.
3. Draw two more branches out of all composite factors until you only have prime factors at the ends of the branches.

B. You will always end up with the same prime factors (not necessarily in the same order), regardless of the composite factors you start with.

-Below are two different examples of how you could find the prime factors for the number 700.