3.1. List the prime factors of 60

To find the prime factors of 60, let's break it down! You start by dividing by the smallest prime number, which is 2. So, 60 ÷ 2 = 30. Next, divide 30 by 2 again, yielding 15. Now, 15 is not divisible by 2, but it's divisible by 3, giving you 15 ÷ 3 = 5. Finally, 5 is prime! So, the prime factorization of 60 is 2 × 2 × 3 × 5 or, in prime factor form: 2² × 3 × 5. Did you know that understanding prime factors can help in many everyday situations? For instance, if you’re trying to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) for fractions, having the prime factors at hand makes it a cinch! Plus, it’s crucial in areas like cryptography, where large prime numbers protect sensitive data. Who knew math could hold the key to security?