Prime Factors? ((Really Need Help))?

Question

I've been asked to do a HW assignment where i figure out if number are prime or composite. i understand what prime numbers and composite numbers are, but, what are prime factors? i don't understand 'anything' about them, so please try to make it really easy to understand..lol. =D

Thanks.

Oh, i don't want the answers to my HW, i just want to know what to do, examples would be great, thanks!

Answer 1

Okay, it's pretty straight forward.

Take a number, 60.

Its factors are 2,3,4,5,6,10,12,15,20,30 etc.

Among these factors, 2,3,5 are prime numbers.

These factors that are both a factor of the number and a prime number is considered a prime factor.

Hope u have a clearer picture ;) drop me an email if u have any further queries.

Answer 2

prime factors: the prime numbers you multiply by in order to get your composite number

EX: the prime factors of 6 are 2 and 3