Academic Development Lesson
Breaking Numbers Apart: Prime Factorization
Shared by Dr. Kenyon Andrews★ Featured Teacher · rated 90+ in our quality review
6th Grade, Level 1BTC Style / Thinking ClassroomsCCSS.MATH.4.OA.B.450 min
Learning Objective
Students will determine the prime factorization of whole numbers using factor trees and express results using exponential notation.
Lesson Overview
Students progress from identifying prime vs. composite numbers to building full prime factorizations using factor trees, finishing with exponential notation. Each task changes only one variable at a time.
Materials
- Whiteboard or large paper
- Dry-erase markers or pencils
- Scratch paper for factor trees
Scaffolded Task Progression
1Task 1
Look at each number below. Can it be broken into smaller whole-number multiplication pieces, or is it 'unbreakable'? Sort each number into the correct column.
Numbers:
How do you know a number is unbreakable?
Numbers:
| Unbreakable (Prime) | Can Be Broken (Composite) |
|---|---|
How do you know a number is unbreakable?
2Task 2
The number can be broken apart using a factor tree. Start the tree below — the first split is done for you. Keep splitting until EVERY branch ends in a prime (circle the primes as you go).
Finish the tree. What are ALL the prime factors of ?
Finish the tree. What are ALL the prime factors of ?
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