How to Find Prime Factors Using Factor Trees for Grade 4 Students
FAQs on Prime Factor Trees Worksheet for Class 4 Maths
1. What is a factor tree in maths for class 4?
A factor tree is a diagram used in Class 4 maths to break down a number into its prime factors. It visually shows how a number is split into factor pairs until only prime numbers are left at the end of the branches, making it a simple way to understand number decomposition.
2. What is a prime factor tree?
A prime factor tree is a special diagram that helps find all the prime numbers that multiply together to make the original number. This method, known as prime factorization, involves these steps:
- Start with a composite number at the top.
- Branch out into two factors that multiply to give that number.
- Continue branching out from any composite factors.
- The tree is complete when all the branches end in a prime number.
3. How do you find the prime factors of a number using a factor tree?
To find the prime factors using a factor tree, you repeatedly break down a number into pairs of factors until all the factors are prime. Here is a step-by-step guide for this factorization method:
- Write the number you want to factor at the top of your tree.
- Find two numbers (a factor pair) that multiply to give your starting number and draw two branches to them.
- If a factor is a prime number, circle it.
- If a factor is a composite number, continue breaking it down into more factor pairs.
- Stop when all the branches end in a circled prime number. The circled numbers are your prime factors.
4. Can you give an example of a factor tree for 24?
Yes, the factor tree for 24 breaks it down into its prime factors of 2, 2, 2, and 3. Here is one way to create the factor tree of 24:
- Start with 24.
- Branch it into 4 and 6 (since 4 x 6 = 24).
- Branch the 4 into 2 and 2. Both are prime, so you circle them.
- Branch the 6 into 2 and 3. Both are prime, so you circle them.
- The final prime factors are 2, 2, 2, and 3.
5. What is the difference between prime and composite numbers for class 4?
The main difference is that prime numbers have exactly two factors, while composite numbers have more than two factors. For Class 4 students, it is important to remember:
- A Prime Number is a number greater than 1 that can only be divided by 1 and itself (e.g., 2, 3, 5, 7, 11).
- A Composite Number is a number greater than 1 that has more than two factors (e.g., 4, 6, 8, 9, 10).
6. How can I use this Class 4 Maths Prime Factor Trees worksheet at home?
This worksheet is an excellent tool for home revision and practice, designed to be used by parents and students together. You can use it for:
- Homework practice to reinforce what was taught in school.
- Maths revision before a test or exam.
- A fun learning at home activity to build confidence in prime factorization.
- Simply download the printable PDF and start solving the questions.
7. Does this factor tree worksheet for class 4 include an answer key?
Yes, a complete and easy-to-understand answer key is included with this worksheet. The answer key provides the correct solutions for every question, which helps students and parents to:
- Check their work and identify mistakes.
- Understand the correct factorization method.
- Build confidence through self-correction.
8. Is this maths worksheet for 4th grade printable?
Absolutely, this worksheet is designed as a downloadable and printable PDF for easy use. You can download the free PDF file and print it as many times as you need for classroom or at-home practice. The format is optimised with clear fonts and wide spacing for 4th grade students.
9. What skills are built by solving prime factorization exercises?
Solving prime factorization exercises helps develop critical mathematical and logical skills. Regular practice with these worksheets can boost:
- Logical reasoning by breaking down complex numbers.
- Multiplication fluency and understanding of factor pairs.
- Number sense and the ability to distinguish between prime and composite numbers.
- Problem-solving skills through a step-by-step approach.
10. Why do we only use prime numbers at the end of a factor tree?
A factor tree ends with prime numbers because they are the fundamental building blocks of all other whole numbers. The goal of prime factorization is to break a composite number down as far as possible. Since prime numbers cannot be broken down any further (they only have 1 and themselves as factors), they represent the final step in the process.

















