Find the Prime Factorization

Prime factorization is breaking a number down as a product of its prime numbers. Typically, students in 6th grade begin to explore this topic once they have mastered how to list the factors of a given number and determine the difference between composite and prime numbers. 

Teach Starter has created a set of 24 task cards you can use with your students when practicing finding the prime factorization of a number. Activities on the cards include:

• Writing the prime factorization
• Listing prime numbers
• Determining a number when given the prime factorization
• Determining missing numbers in a factor tree and ladder diagram
• Error analysis

The cards can be cut apart and hung around the room for a more active approach, or the cards can be bagged into sets to allow for partner or group work. Students can complete the cards in any order and record their responses on the provided student sheet.

The goal of this resource is to provide students with an opportunity to practice prime factorizations in a variety of ways.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons.

In addition to individual student work time, use this set of task cards to enhance learning through guided math groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Help students who need help understanding the concepts by providing completed notes, examples, multiplication charts, and/or a calculator. The teacher can also remove cards to limit the workload while still addressing the standards.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

For students needing a challenge, ask them to solve for the prime factorization of larger numbers. Challenge students to determine the largest possible 3-digit number with only 3 different prime factors.

🛴 Scoot Activity 

Place the cards around the room in numerical order and give each student a recording sheet. Assign students or pairs to a starting point card. Give students time to review the card and record their answer in the corresponding space on their paper. Students will rotate to the next card when you say, “SCOOT!” Continue in this manner until students return to their starting point. 

👋 Exit Ticket 

Use these cards as a formative assessment after your lesson. Pick a random assortment of cards and project them on the board for the whole class to see. Students can record their answers on a sheet of paper, sticky note, or their notebook. 

Plan lessons for all ability levels with our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies! 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the color PDF, black and white PDF, or editable Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

To keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks, punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them.

This resource was created by Lorin Davies, a teacher in Texas and Teach Starter Collaborator.

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

teaching resource

Prime Factorization Match-Up

Practice how to find the prime factorization of a number with this match-up activity.