Factors of 2

Definition of factors of 2: If a number completely divides 2 with the remainder zero, then that number is called a factor of 2. Thus, we can say that the factors of 2 are the divisors of 2. In this section, we will learn about the factors of 2 and the prime factors of 2.

Also Read: Basic concepts of factors

Highlights of Factors of 2

• 2=1×2 is the prime factorization of 2.
• The factors of 2 are 1 and 2.
• The only prime factor of 2 is 2.
• Negative factors of 2 are –1 and –2.

What are the Factors of 2?

To get the factors of 2 we need to first write the number 2 multiplicatively in all possible ways. Note that we have:

2 = 1×2 

This is the only way we can express 2 multiplicatively. Therefore the factors of 2 in pairs are given as follows:

2 = a×b	Factors in Pairs (a,b)
2 = 1×2	(1, 2)

Thus the only pair factor of 2 is (1, 2). We know that all the numbers appearing in pair factors are the factors of 2. So we conclude that

The factors of 2 are: 1 and 2.

Number of Factors of 2

From above we have calculated the factors of 2 which are 1 and 2. Thus the total number of factors of 2 is two.

Prime Factors of 2

Note that the factors of 2 are 1 and 2. Among those factors, we observe that only 2 is a prime number as it does not have any proper divisors.

∴ the only prime factor of 2 is the number 2 itself.

Question: What are the factors of 2?

Video Solution: 

Is 2 a Prime Number?

As the factors of 2 are 1 and the number 2 itself, by the definition of prime numbers, we can say that 2 is a prime number.

Conclusion: 2 is a prime number.

How to Find Factors of 2?

Now we will determine the factors of 2 by division method. In this method, we will find the numbers that can divide 2 with no remainder. See that

2/1=2 and the remainder is 0.

∴ 1 and 2 are factors of 2.

Note that no numbers other than 1 and 2 can divide 2. So the numbers 1 and 2 are the complete list of factors of 2.