Find the prime factorization of 1521.

Question

ScanSolve AI Tutor · Accepted Answer

The method shown in the image has an error in the first division. Let's correct it.

Divide 1521 by the smallest prime factor, which is 3.
The sum of the digits of 1521 is $1+5+2+1=9$ , which is divisible by 3.
$1521 \div 3 = 507$
The image incorrectly shows 57 here.
Divide 507 by its smallest prime factor, which is 3.
The sum of the digits of 507 is $5+0+7=12$ , which is divisible by 3.
$507 \div 3 = 169$
Divide 169 by its smallest prime factor.
169 is not divisible by 3, 5, 7, or 11. It is divisible by 13.
$169 \div 13 = 13$
Divide 13 by its smallest prime factor, which is 13.
$13 \div 13 = 1$
Write the prime factorization.
$1521 = 3 \times 3 \times 13 \times 13$
Express the prime factorization using exponents.
$1521 = 3^2 \times 13^2$
The prime factorization of 1521 is $\boxed{3^2 \times 13^2}$ .

Answer