A Representation for Whole Numbers and Their Factors
Ana Lúcia Braz Dias

Proceedings of Bridges 2011: Mathematics, Music, Art, Architecture, Culture
Pages 543–546
Short Papers

Abstract

In this paper I will describe models for whole numbers and their divisors using an adaptation of Hasse diagrams. The model gives us a unique visual representation for each whole number, because they are constructed based on the prime factorization of the numbers. Since every number has a unique prime factorization, the model for each number will be unique. The models are easy to make in the classroom and yield beautiful constructions. But most importantly, since they are a visual representation of important relations between a number and its factors, many theorems can be ``rediscovered'' by students when they investigate their constructions.

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