About This Calculator
This Prime Factorization Calculator breaks down a positive integer into its prime number factors. It shows both the standard multiplication form and the exponential form, along with step-by-step decomposition for clarity.
How It Works
- Enter any integer greater than 1.
- The calculator divides it step by step by the smallest possible prime factors.
- It continues until the result is fully factorized into prime numbers.
- Both standard and exponential forms are displayed, along with full decomposition steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is prime factorization?
Prime factorization is the process of expressing a number as the product of its prime components. For example,60 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 5.
What is the exponential form?
It's a compact version where repeated prime factors are written with exponents. For example,2 × 2 × 3becomes2² × 3.
Which numbers can I factor?
The calculator accepts any positive integer ≥ 2. Values below 2 are not valid for prime factorization.
Does the calculator use trial division?
Yes. It starts from the smallest prime (2) and divides step by step until the number is fully broken down.
Are the results shown in order?
Yes, prime factors are always displayed in ascending order.