Math Manipulative Project Week 1

For this week’s manipulative project, I chose to play around with The Factor Tree, available under Grades 6-8 Numbers and Operations. The Factor Tree selects a random number and creates a tree diagram which allows the user to make an educated guess on what the prime factors are. If the user types in an incorrect number (for example guessing 5 is a prime factor of 12), the manipulative responds back with a prompt advising “5 does not divide evenly into 12.” The user will keep playing around with the manipulative until a correct solution is identified. The Factor Tree will continue to work in this manner through various levels of a tree diagram until the full prime factorization of the original number is identified.