The fundamental theorem of arithmetic

The  exercise appears under the Pre-algebra Math Mission. This exercise introduces the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic.

Types of Problems
There is one type of problem in this exercise:


 * 1) Find the prime factorization of the number: This problem provides a manipulative that allows the student to select primes to make the prime factorization of a particular number.Tftoa1.png

Strategies
Knowledge of the divisibility rules can ensure success on this problem, but an ability to make a factor tree mentally could increase efficiency.
 * 1) The Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic states that every natural number has a unique prime factorization (up to order of the prime factors).
 * 2) The factors of the number requested will never exceed thirteen.
 * 3) The running total of the primes selected are recorded on the screen. This can be used as a guide and the answer should not be submitted until it matches the number desired.

Real-life Applications

 * 1) Divisibility leads to many number theoretic concepts (such as primality) which can be used for encryption and other computer science applications.