How to solve
Split the number into prime factors, grouping repeats as powers. Write primes in increasing order.
Steps
- Divide out the smallest prime that works (2, then 3, then 5, …).
- Repeat until only primes remain.
- Write like 2^2*3 or 2*2*3 — order does not matter.
Example
Prime-factorize 12.
- 12 = 2 × 6 = 2 × 2 × 3.
- So 2^2*3 (or 2*2*3, or 3*2^2).
Answer: 2^2*3
How to type answers
- Powers or repeated factors; any order (3*3*5 = 3^2*5 = 5*3^2)
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