Prime Numbers and Prime Factors - JSS1 Mathematics Lesson Note

Prime Numbers: Prime numbers are numbers greater than 1 that have no divisors other than 1 and themselves. For example, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, etc., are prime numbers.

Prime Factors: Prime factors are the prime numbers that multiply together to give the original number. For instance, to find the prime factors of 24:

Divide by the smallest prime number (2): 24 ÷ 2 = 12

Divide by 2 again: 12 ÷ 2 = 6

Divide by 2 again: 6 ÷ 2 = 3

Since 3 is prime, the prime factors of 24 are 2 × 2 × 2 × 3, or written as 2³ × 3.