Factors of 3

3 is the smallest odd prime number and 3 is the only number that is equal to the sum of preceding natural numbers. 3 is the only factor of 3 along with 1. Factors of 3 are both positive and negative. In this chapter, you will learn about factors 3 and we will calculate the factors of 3, prime factors of 3, and will see factors of 3 in pairs along with solved examples for a better understanding.

Factors of 3: 1, 3
Prime Factorization of 3:  1 × 3

Factors of a 3 are the numbers which on divide 3 and gives the remainder zero. Factors of 3 are 1 and 3 only. 
Note that  -1 × -3 = 3. (-1, -3) are also factors, as a product of any two negative numbers gives a positive number.
But in this short lesson, let us focus on positive integers only.

Let us learn how to calculate factors of 3
Step 1: Write down the number to be factored in. Here the number is 3.
Step 2: Find the two numbers whose product gives 3.

• We have 1 × 3 = 3
• Hence the factors are 1 and 3

The pair factors of 3 are 1,3. It is possible to have negative pair factors as well because the product of any two negative numbers can also give a positive number.

• Every prime number has 2 factors, i.e; 1 and the number itself.
• Every composite number always have a minimum 3 factors.
• All even numbers always have 2 as one of their factors.