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Prime Factorisation•
Types of Number

Prime Factor Decomposition - Using the Short Division Method WORKSHEET

Suitable for Year groups: Year 8, Year 9
GCSE Tier: Foundation/Higher
Targeting grades: 4-5
Prerequisite knowledge: Divisibility laws. Identify prime numbers.

Click here for the Prime Factorisation Prerequisite Knowledge Check
Learning Objective: Use the concepts and vocabulary of prime factorisation, including using product notation and the unique factorisation property.

Prime Factor Decomposition - Using the Short Division Method WORKSHEET DESCRIPTION

Using this short division (or ladder) method provides a clear step by step approach to prime factorisation. This method pays off in the long run as finding the LCM or HCF of two or even three composite numbers becomes easier and more intuitive!

The worksheet begins with an example of the method which is followed by a fill the gaps task, aiming to build learners confidence.

In section B, students will find the prime factor decomposition of six numbers. Here the ‘ladders’ are pre drawn to further support your students.

Next up, learners will explain what’s wrong with three different product of prime factors answers.

There are nine further numbers to decompose in section D. There is no scaffolding in place here.

Lastly students are introduced to using the methods with two numbers in section E. This is used to find the LCM and HCF of the pairs of numbers.

All worksheets are created by the team of experienced teachers at Cazoom Maths.

Prime Factor Decomposition - Using the Short Division Method Worksheet Suitable for Students in Year 8 and Year 9

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Frequently Asked Questions

Students should be confident with divisibility laws and be able to identify prime numbers before tackling prime factorisation using the short division method. These foundational skills are essential for successfully working through the ladder method and understanding when to divide by each prime factor. There's a prerequisite knowledge check available specifically for prime factorisation to help assess student readiness.