Definition of factors of 3: If a number completely divides 3 with the remainder zero, then that number is called a factor of 3.
By the above definition, we can say that the factors of 3 are the divisors of 3. In this section, we will learn about the factors of 3 and the prime factors of 3.
Also Read: Basic concepts of factors
Table of Contents
Highlights of Factors of 3
- 3=1×3 is the prime factorization of 3.
- The factors of 3 are 1 and 3.
- The only prime factor of 3 is 3.
- Negative factors of 3 are –1 and –3.
What are the Factors of 3?
To get the factors of 3 we need to first write the number 3 multiplicatively in all possible ways. Note that we have:
3 = 1×3
This is the only way we can express 3 multiplicatively. Therefore the factors of 3 in pairs are given as follows:
3 = a×b | Factors in Pairs (a,b) |
3 = 1×3 | (1, 3) |
Thus the only pair factor of 3 is (1, 3). We know that all the numbers appearing in pair factors are the factors of 3. So we conclude that
The factors of 3 are: 1 and 3. |
Number of Factors of 3
From above we have calculated the factors of 3 which are 1 and 3. Thus the total number of factors of 3 is two.
Prime Factors of 3
Note that the factors of 3 are 1 and 3. Among those factors, we observe that only 3 is a prime number as it does not have any proper divisors.
∴ the only prime factor of 3 is the number 3 itself.
Question: What are the factors of 3?
Video Solution:
Is 3 a Prime Number?
As the factors of 3 are 1 and the number 3 itself, by the definition of prime numbers, we can say that 3 is a prime number.
Conclusion: 3 is a prime number.
How to Find Factors of 3?
Now we will determine the factors of 3 by division method. In this method, we will find the numbers that can divide 3 with no remainder. See that
3/1=3 and the remainder is 0. | ∴ 1 and 3 are factors of 3. |
Note that no numbers other than the numbers in violet color can divide 3. So the numbers in violet color, that is, 1 and 3 are the complete list of factors of 3.
This article is written by Dr. T. Mandal, Ph.D in Mathematics. On Mathstoon.com you will find Maths from very basic level to advanced level. Thanks for visiting.