Which factors are not included in the prime factorization of a composite number?

Solution:

Composite numbers have more than 2 factors apart from 1 and the number itself.

The prime factorization of a number means to express the number as the product of its prime factors.

We do not include any composite numbers and also the number 1 as it is not a prime number.

i) Let us consider the number 4.

The factors of 4 are 1, 2  and 4

We do not include 1 and 4  in the prime factorization of 4.

Prime factorization of 4 is 2 × 2

ii) Let us consider the prime factorization of 156

156 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 13   

Therefore, 1 is not included in the prime factorization of a number.

Which factors are not included in the prime factorization of a composite number?

Summary:

Factors that are not included in the prime factorization of a composite number are 1, the number itself, and the other composite factors.