Question
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Answer
The prime factor of 16 is 2, and it appears four times.
Solution
To find the prime factors of 16, we can start by dividing 16 by the smallest prime number, which is 2.
1. 16 ÷ 2 = 8
2. 8 ÷ 2 = 4
3. 4 ÷ 2 = 2
4. 2 ÷ 2 = 1
Since 16 can be divided by 2 repeatedly until we reach 1, its prime factorization is:
16 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 2⁴
Thus, the only prime factor of 16 is 2.
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Simplify this solution Bonus Knowledge
The prime factors of 16 are 2, and it appears four times in multiplication! You can express 16 as 2 × 2 × 2 × 2, or in exponential form as 2^4. This means 2 is the only prime number that breaks down into 16, showing how powerful and unique prime factors can be in making up larger numbers! In everyday life, understanding prime factors can actually help in things like simplifying fractions or solving problems in number theory. For example, if you're working on a project that involves ratios or proportions, knowing the prime factors can aid in finding the greatest common divisor. It might even help you impress your friends at math trivia night!
