How do you figure out the prime factorization of 330?

Answer by  abc1 (14)

The prime factorization of 330 is 2*3*5*11. The simplest method for a small number like this is to divide by successive primes, until the resulting number is a prime (you must remember to check for multiple recurrences of each prime). So 330/2 = 165. 165 is divisible by 3 (55). 55 is 5*11. So the total prime factorization is 2*3*5*11.

Answer by  AnthroBoss (122)

Notice, 330 is divisible by 2, yielding 165, which is divisible by 3, yielding 55, the obvious product of 5 times 11. Now you have your prime factors: 2x3x5x11=330. For any number, the process is the same. First, find the smallest prime number (>1) that's a divisor and repeat for the result until your result is prime.