Question

A factor tree for 72 is shown. Which expression is NOT equal to 72?

Answer 1

A factor tree is used to break down a number into its prime factors. Evaluating the given expressions, none of them are NOT equal to 72 as they all match the prime factors of 72.

Step-by-step explanation:

A factor tree is a method used to break down a number into its prime factors. In this case, the factor tree for 72 shows that it can be written as 2 * 2 * 2 * 3 * 3. To determine which expression is NOT equal to 72, we need to look at the given options and compare them to the prime factors of 72. If any of the options contain factors that are not present in the prime factorization of 72, then it is not equal to 72.

Given the options, we can analyze them:

1. 6 * 12: This can be simplified to 2 * 3 * 2 * 2 * 3, which matches the prime factors of 72 and is equal to 72.
2. 8 * 9: This can be simplified to 2 * 2 * 2 * 3 * 3, which matches the prime factors of 72 and is equal to 72.
3. 3 * 24: This can be simplified to 3 * 2 * 2 * 2 * 3, which matches the prime factors of 72 and is equal to 72.
4. 9 * 8: This can be simplified to 3 * 3 * 2 * 2 * 2, which matches the prime factors of 72 and is equal to 72.
5. 4 * 5 * 3: This can be simplified to 2 * 2 * 5 * 3, which matches the prime factors of 72 and is equal to 72.

Therefore, all the given expressions are equal to 72, and none of them are NOT equal to 72.