The Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic
The Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic, established in Euclid's Elements and proved formally by Carl Friedrich Gauss in Disquisitiones Arithmeticae (1801), states that every integer $n > 1$ can be uniquely factored into a product of prime powers:
n = p₁^{a₁} · p₂^{a₂} · p₃^{a₃} ... p_k^{a_k}
Calculating the Number of Divisors τ(n)
Any divisor of $n$ must be composed of the same prime factors with exponents ranging from $0$ up to $a_i$. Thus, the total count of distinct positive divisors is:
τ(n) = (a₁ + 1)(a₂ + 1)(a₃ + 1)...(a_k + 1)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is trial division?
Trial division is the simplest primality testing and integer factorization algorithm. It tests whether an integer n can be divided evenly by each prime number up to the square root of n (sqrt(n)). If no factor is found up to sqrt(n), the remaining quotient is guaranteed to be prime.
What is a prime factor tree?
A factor tree is a graphical breakdown where a composite number branches into two factors. The branches continue dividing until all leaf nodes are prime numbers. Multiplying all leaf nodes together reconstructs the original number.