SAT Math : How to factor a number

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Math

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Example Questions

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Example Question #11 : How To Factor A Number

If k and m are positive integers, let m be equal to the reaminder when k is divided by m. For example, 3 # 2 = 1. All of the following are true EXCEPT:

Possible Answers:

m = 0

k = m

0 # (m) = 0

(k)# k = 0

(km) # k = m

Correct answer:

(km) # k = m

Explanation:

Let's look at each statement separately and see if it must be true.

First, let's consider 0 # (m) = 0.

This statement essentially says that if we divide 0 by the sum of k and m, the remainder should be 0. In general, when 0 is divided by an integer (other than itself), the result is zero with a remainder of zero. For example, if 0 is divided by 2, then 2 will go into zero exactly zero times with a remainder of zero. Because the sum of k and m is an integer, this means that zero divided by (m) will also have a remainder of zero. Thus, 0 # (m) = 0 is true.

Next, let's examine m = 0. This statement says that if we divide m by itself, we should get a remainder of zero. This is true, because any integer divided by itself is equal to 1, with a remainder of zero. Remember that the result of using the # symbol only gives us the remainder. Therefore m # m = 0, not 1. 

Let's now look at k # k = m # m.

As we established previously, m # m = 0. Similarly, k = 0, because any integer divided by itself produces a remainder of zero. Because m # m and k # k both equal zero, they are also equal to each other. Thus, k # k = m # m is indeed true.

Next, let's consider (k2) # k = 0. This says that if we square an integer and then divide the result by the integer, we should get a remainder of zero. This is true, because an integer is always a factor of its square. In other words, the square of an integer is always divisible by the integer. And if one number is divisible by another, then the resulting quotient has a remainder of zero. For example (52) # 5 = 0, because when we divide 25 by 5, we get 5 with a remainder of zero. Again, remember that we are only concerned with the remainder. 

By the process of elmination, the answer is (km) # k = m. Let's see why this statement must be false. The product of k and m has factors k and m. For example, the product of 4 and 3, which equals 12, has the factors 4 and 3. When a number is divided by one of its factor, the resulting remainder must be zero. For example (4(3)) # 4 = 12 # 4 = 0, because the remainder when 12 is divided by 4 is equal to zero. Thus (km) # k = 0, not m

The answer is (km) # k = m.

Example Question #12 : How To Factor A Number

If    180 = 2^{a}3^{b}5^{c}7^{d}, where a,b,c,d are all positive integers, what is a+b+c+d?

Possible Answers:

3

6

4

5

7

Correct answer:

5

Explanation:

We will essentially have to represent 180 as a product of prime factors, because 2, 3, 5, and 7 are all prime numbers. The easiest way to do this will be to find the prime factorization of 180.

180 = 18(10)= (9)(2)(10) = (3)(3)(2)(10)=(3)(3)(2)(2)(5) = 2^{2}3^{2}5^{1}. Because 7 is not a factor of 180, we can mutiply the prime factorization of 180 by 7^{0} (which equals 1) in order to get 7 into our prime factorization.

180= 2^23^25^17^0= 2^a3^b5^c7^d

In order for 2^23^25^17^0 to equal 2^a3^b5^c7^d, the exponents of each base must match. This means that a = 2, b = 2, c = 1, and d = 0. The sum of a, b, c, and d is 5.

The answer is 5.

Example Question #13 : How To Factor A Number

What is the product of the distinct prime factors of 24?

Possible Answers:

\dpi{100} \small 5

\dpi{100} \small 6

\dpi{100} \small 8

\dpi{100} \small 9

\dpi{100} \small 24

Correct answer:

\dpi{100} \small 6

Explanation:

The prime factorization of 24 is (2)(2)(2)(3).  The distinct primes are 2 and 3, the product of which is 6.

Example Question #61 : Factors / Multiples

How many prime factors does \dpi{100} \small 2^{3}-1 have?

Possible Answers:

\dpi{100} \small 5

\dpi{100} \small 0

\dpi{100} \small 3

\dpi{100} \small 2

\dpi{100} \small 1

Correct answer:

\dpi{100} \small 1

Explanation:

\dpi{100} \small 2^{3}-1=8-1=7

Since 7 is prime, its only prime factor is itself.

Example Question #15 : How To Factor A Number

What is the smallest positive multiple of 12?

Possible Answers:

\dpi{100} \small 24

\dpi{100} \small 2

\dpi{100} \small 0

\dpi{100} \small 12

\dpi{100} \small 6

Correct answer:

\dpi{100} \small 12

Explanation:

Multiples of 12 are found by multiplying 12 by a whole number.  Some examples include:

\dpi{100} \small 12(-2)=-24

\dpi{100} \small 12(0)=0

\dpi{100} \small 12(1)=12

Clearly, the smallest positive value obtainable is 12.  Do not confuse the term multiple with the term factor!

Example Question #91 : Integers

How many prime factors of 210 are greater than 2?

Possible Answers:

four

two

one

three

five

Correct answer:

three

Explanation:

Begin by identifying the prime factors of 210. This can be done easily using a factoring tree (see image).

Vt_p2

 

 The prime factors of 210 are 2, 3, 5 and 7. Of these factors, three of them are greater than 2. 

Example Question #11 : How To Factor A Number

How many integers between 50 and 100 are divisible by 9?

Possible Answers:

5

8

7

6

9

Correct answer:

6

Explanation:

The smallest multiple of 9 within the given range is \inline \dpi{200} \tiny 54 = 9 \times 6.

The largest multiple of 9 within the given range is \dpi{100} {99=9 \times 11}.

Counting the numbers from 6 to 11, inclusive, yields 6.

Example Question #61 : Factors / Multiples

  is the set of all positive multiples of , and  is the set of all squares of integers. Which of the following numbers belongs to both sets?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

 is the only choice that is both a multiple of  and a perfect square. 

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