Question

Complete the factor tree with whole numbers to create a factor tree for 72. (2 points)
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Remaining Attempts : 3

Answers

GPT-4o mini
To create a factor tree for 72, we break it down into its prime factors. Here’s how it can be done step by step:

1. Start with 72 at the top.
2. Divide 72 by 2 (the smallest prime number):
- 72 ÷ 2 = 36
3. Now, take 36, and divide it by 2 again:
- 36 ÷ 2 = 18
4. Take 18, and divide it by 2:
- 18 ÷ 2 = 9
5. Now, take 9, which is not divisible by 2, and divide it by 3 (the next smallest prime):
- 9 ÷ 3 = 3
6. Lastly, divide 3 by 3:
- 3 ÷ 3 = 1

Now, you can write the factor tree as follows:

```
72
/ \
2 36
/ \
2 18
/ \
2 9
/ \
3 3
```

The prime factors of 72 are \(2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 3 \times 3\), or \(2^3 \times 3^2\).