Question

Use a factor tree to express the number 20 as a product of its prime factors.

A. 2
B. 4
C. 5
D. 10

Answer 1

The number 20 is expressed as a product of prime factors by dividing it by the smallest prime numbers until all factors are prime. For 20, this results in 2 x 2 x 5, or 2² x 5 when using exponents.

Step-by-step explanation:

To express the number 20 as a product of its prime factors using a factor tree, you start by dividing 20 by the smallest prime number possible. In this case, that number is 2. So, 20 divided by 2 gives you 10. We can then break down 10 into its prime factors, which again includes the number 2, and then 5, which is also a prime number. So, the complete factor tree for 20 is:

1. 20 ÷ 2 = 10
2. 10 ÷ 2 = 5
3. 5 is a prime number and cannot be divided further

Therefore, the number 20 can be expressed as 2 x 2 x 5, or 2² x 5 when using exponents to show the repeated prime factor of 2.