Working through the Steps 

        We are in our fourth week of learning elementary math at Central Lakes College. This week we are learning all about divisibility of numbers. A secret I would like to share with you when trying to find the divisibility of numbers is a great technique called the Factor Tree. 

        The factor tree is a diagram used to break down a number by dividing it by its factors until all the numbers left are prime (a number that is only divisible by one and itself). For myself, I am a visual learner, so looking at this diagram and working through the steps has really helped me. With any given number, I start with the first "branch" or factor being divisible by 2. I then work my way down from their until I can not divide the numbers any longer. Here is a great example so you can see the diagram for yourself. Once you have examined the Factor Tree, cover up the answers and try it for yourself!