Factors are numbers that divide a given number exactly without leaving a remainder. Understanding factors is crucial in mathematics, particularly in arithmetic, algebra, and number theory. This article will explore the factors of 72, methods to determine them, their properties, and real-world
applications.
A factor of a number is any number that divides it completely without leaving a remainder.
Example:
To identify the factors of 72, we list all numbers that divide 72 exactly.
Step-by-Step Process:
The prime factors of 72 are the factors of 72 that are prime numbers. Unlike the complete list of factors—which includes both prime and composite numbers—prime factors are limited to numbers that are only divisible by 1 and themselves.
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As mentioned earlier, the factors of 72 include 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 72. However, not all of these are prime. To identify the prime factors of 72, we will use the prime factorization method, as explained in the next section.
Prime factorization involves breaking a number down into its smallest prime factors.
Steps for Prime Factorization:
Prime Factorization of 72: 72 =2×2×2×3×3 = 23×32
Factors can be grouped into pairs whose product is 72.
Factor 1 | Factor 2 | Product |
1 | 72 | 1 × 72 = 72 |
2 | 36 | 2 × 36 = 72 |
3 | 24 | 3 × 24 = 72 |
4 | 18 | 4 × 18 = 72 |
6 | 12 | 6 × 12 = 72 |
8 | 9 | 8 × 9 = 72 |
So, the factor pairs of 72 are: (1,72), (2,36), (3,24), (4,18), (6,12), and (8,9).
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To determine common factors, we compare the factors of 72 with another number.
Example: Common Factors of 72 and 54
The HCF is the largest factor that two numbers have in common.
Example: HCF of 72 and 54
Common factors = 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18
HCF = 18
Factors are used in various real-world situations, including:
The factors of 72 are- 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 72.
The prime factors of 72 are 2 and 3. When written as prime factorization, 72 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 = 23 x 32
Adding all the factors of 72: 1+2+3+4+6+8+9+12+18+24+36+72=195. So, the sum of the factors is 195.
There are 12 factors of 72: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 72.
No, only even factors are divisible by 2. The odd factors of 72 are 1, 3, and 9, which are not divisible by 2.