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How many prime factors does 12 have

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GMATaxe001
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Number of Prime Factors of any number. 05 Apr 2021, 09:35
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Hi All,

I am a little confused about Number of Prime Factors of any number. .

Eg : 12 = 2x2x3 . So the number of Prime factors of 12 are 2 (2 and 3) or 3 (2,2, and 3)?

As per TTP, its 3. Request to the forum to enlighten me please.

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Number of Prime Factors of any number. 05 Apr 2021, 21:01
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GMATaxe001
Hi All,

I am a little confused about Number of Prime Factors of any number. .

Eg : 12 = 2x2x3 . So the number of Prime factors of 12 are 2 (2 and 3) or 3 (2,2, and 3)?

As per TTP, its 3. Request to the forum to enlighten me please.
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There are two terms
1) Distinct prime factors: Only two - 2 & 3. Can be tested on GMAT as there is no ambiguity.

2) Prime factors: Some would say three - 2, 2, 3. But many of us would say that what is the difference in the two 2s. Can same number be a factor twice.

So, I would expect following in GMAT
A) Whenever factors are being asked, mention distinct prime factors to remove ambiguity.
B) May be use the word ‘repetition’ if it wants you to count it twice.

Always every time you will find the word DISTINCT or DIFFERENT, and even if it is missing I am yet to see GMAT looking for repetition.
So 12 would have 2 prime factors or 2 distinct prime factors.

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