71 and Level 3

 

2014-12 Level 3

This week’s puzzles for you to solve

Here’s a little about the number 71:

  • 71 is a prime number.
  • Prime factorization: 71 is prime.
  • The exponent of prime number 71 is 1. Adding 1 to that exponent we get (1 + 1) = 2. Therefore 71 has exactly 2 factors.
  • Factors of 71: 1, 71
  • Factor pairs: 71 = 1 x 71
  • 71 has no square factors that allow its square root to be simplified. √71 ≈ 8.4261

How do we know that 71 is a prime number? If 71 were not a prime number, then it would be divisible by at least one prime number less than or equal to √71 ≈ 8.4. Since 71 cannot be divided evenly by 2, 3, 5, or 7, we know that 71 is a prime number.

71 is never a clue in the FIND THE FACTORS puzzles.

A Logical Approach to the Solution of the puzzle: Find the column or row with two clues and find their common factor. Write the corresponding factors in the factor column and factor row.  Because this is a level three puzzle, you have now written a factor at the top of the factor column. Continue to work from the top of the factor column to the bottom, finding factors and filling in the table as you go:

2014-12 Level 3 Factors