GRE Math: Essential Tips For Factoring
Let’s say you have a large number, and you need to break it down into its prime factors (prime factors are prime numbers, e.g. 2, 3, 5, 7). When dealing with small numbers, such as 24 (2 x 2 x 2 x 3), finding the prime factors isn’t too tough. But what about 324?
Many students will freeze when they see such a number. However, on the GRE, there is always a way to break down a large number.
Divide by 2
Is the number even? If so, simply divide by 2. If that results in a number that is also divisible by 2 continue dividing until the number is no longer even. 324/2 = 162. 162/2 = 81. At this point, you should be able to break down 81 into 9 x 9. Next, 9 x 9 can further be broken down into 3 x 3 x 3 x 3. Therefore, the prime factors of 324 are 3, 3, 3, 3, 2, 2.
Now, let’s try another question:
What is the sum of the unique prime factors of 207?
(A) 23
(B) 26
(C) 29
(D) 69
(E) 207
(B) 26
(C) 29
(D) 69
(E) 207
Divide by 3
Well, 207 is a very unpleasant number. Is it even divisible by any number, besides 1? Well, a good rule when dealing with odd numbers is to add up the digits, e.g. 2 + 0 + 7 = 9. If the sum is divisible by 3, then the number is divisible by 3. Therefore, 207 is divisible by 3 (9 is divisible by 3). 207/3 = 69. What about 69? Add up the digits, and you get 15, which is also divisible by 3. Therefore, 69/3 = 23. 23 is a prime number because it can’t be divided by any number, except 1.
The factors of 207 are therefore 3, 3, and 23. Notice, the question asks for the sum of the unique factors. The factor 3 appears twice, so we can discount one of the threes (because it is not unique; there is already another 3). The answer is 23 + 3 = 26 (B).
Finally, let’s try one last question.
What is the range of the prime factors of x, where x is 275?
(A) 5
(B) 6
(C) 11
(D) 30
(E) 55
(B) 6
(C) 11
(D) 30
(E) 55
Divide by 5
If a number ends in a 5, it is always divisible by 5. 275/5 = 55. 55/5 = 11. Therefore, the prime factors are 5, 5, and 11. The range of these factors is the greatest number minus the smallest number. 11 -5 = 6. Answer (B).
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