Question 1

What is a prime number?

Accepted Answer

A prime number is an integer greater than 1 that is only divisible by 1 and itself. Examples: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13...

Question 2

What is prime factorization?

Accepted Answer

Writing a number as a product of prime numbers. Example: 60 = 2^2 x 3 x 5. Every number has a unique factorization.

Question 3

How do I know if a number is prime?

Accepted Answer

Test divisibility by primes from 2 to sqrt(n). If none divide evenly, it is prime. Example: 29 is prime.

Question 4

Why is prime factorization important?

Accepted Answer

Used for simplifying fractions, calculating GCD/LCM, cryptography, and number theory.

Question 5

What is the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic?

Accepted Answer

Every integer greater than 1 can be uniquely expressed as a product of prime numbers (ignoring order of factors).

Prime Factorization Calculator