2.-11 Points] DETAILS MY NOTES KAUFACS9 3.4.011. Factor the composite number into the product of prime numbers. For example, \( 30=2 \cdot 3 \cdot 5 \). SUBMIT ANSWER 45 STM

To factor the composite number 45 into the product of prime numbers, you can start by dividing it by the smallest prime number, which is 3. So, \( 45 \div 3 = 15 \). Next, you can further factor 15 by dividing it again by 3, giving \( 15 \div 3 = 5 \). Now, you can see that 5 is a prime number. Therefore, 45 can be expressed as \( 3 \cdot 3 \cdot 5 \) or simply \( 3^2 \cdot 5 \). When you're factoring composite numbers, a common mistake is to overlook smaller prime factors and jump to larger ones. It's always a good strategy to start with the smallest primes first, ensuring not to miss any factors. For 45, many might quickly try 5 first but overlooking that 45 is divisible by 3 initially could lead them down the wrong path. Keep that prime factorization process systematic!