Prime Factorization & Divisibility :: Experts Please Res

[ArpanaAmishi]

I have read a lot that prime factorization is useful in GMAT PS/DS section...however still couldn't figure out anything concrete...Here is my questions

1. The circumtances in which this concpet is useful
2. Factorization rules
3. Which types of problems can be attacked
4. Universal truth about the concpet

Please add if I missed anything...

Request to help me out in understanding the concept better. I hope someone will explain better than books.

[Anurag@Gurome]

I have read a lot that prime factorization is useful in GMAT PS/DS section...however still couldn't figure out anything concrete...Here is my questions

1. The circumtances in which this concpet is useful
2. Factorization rules
3. Which types of problems can be attacked
4. Universal truth about the concpet

Please add if I missed anything...

Request to help me out in understanding the concept better. I hope someone will explain better than books.

1. The circumtances in which this concpet is useful: Anytime there is a question, which asks about multiples or factors. Prime factorization is also useful in questions, which does not use prime numbers.

2. Factorization rules: In order to find the prime factor of a number, break down that number's factors until only prime numbers are left.

3. Which types of problems can be attacked: See some examples:
https://www.beatthegmat.com/ps-problem-s ... tml#322262
https://www.beatthegmat.com/integers-pro ... tml#320994
https://www.beatthegmat.com/factors-t87175.html

[ArpanaAmishi]

Thanks Anurag ...would you like to say something on point 4 " Universal Truth/Law/rule of prime factorization"

Last example was much more clear to me. https://www.beatthegmat.com/factors-t87175.html

Could you please post some other examples - still not so sure on usage.

[Anurag@Gurome]

Thanks Anurag ...would you like to say something on point 4 " Universal Truth/Law/rule of prime factorization"

Last example was much more clear to me. https://www.beatthegmat.com/factors-t87175.html

Could you please post some other examples - still not so sure on usage.

The answer to your 4th query would be the same as for query 2: "In order to find the prime factor of a number, break down that number's factors until only prime numbers are left."

See the examples:

https://www.beatthegmat.com/number-prope ... 74863.html
https://www.beatthegmat.com/prime-number ... 85011.html
https://www.beatthegmat.com/multiples-t84819.html
https://www.beatthegmat.com/prime-t84488.html