Math: fun with prime factorization

Tutoring math, you notice interesting details. The tutor mentions one.

Fact: 42 goes into 252.

One might not notice, as first, that 42 goes into 252. However, 9 does (2+5+2=9); dividing, we see that 9×28=252. From there, one can break down 9, then 28, to yield the prime factorization 2*2*3*3*7. One sees, within that combination (after some rearranging), (2*3*7)*(2*3). In fact, 252=42*6.

Such is one of the “other” times tables:)

Source:

Travers, Kenneth et al. Using Advanced Algebra. Toronto: Doubleday Canada Limited, 1977.