Question

Prime factorisation of 156 will be:

• A. $2^2 \times 3 \times 13$
• B. $2 \times 3^2 \times 13$
• C. $2 \times 3 \times 13$
• D. $2 \times 3 \times 13^2$

Hint:

Always divide step by step using prime numbers (2, 3, 5, 7, …) until you reach a prime quotient. This ensures correct prime factorisation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Start dividing by prime numbers
$156 \div 2 = 78$ (So one factor of 2)
$78 \div 2 = 39$ (Another factor of 2)

Step 2: Continue prime division
$39 \div 3 = 13$ (Factor of 3)
$13$ is already a prime number.

Step 3: Collect prime factors
Thus, \[ 156 = 2 \times 2 \times 3 \times 13 = 2^2 \times 3 \times 13 \]

Step 4: Conclusion
Therefore, the prime factorisation of $156$ is $2^2 \times 3 \times 13$.
The correct answer is option (A).