Find the smallest number by which the given number must be divided so that the resulting number is a perfect square:

For each question, factorise the number into its prime factors.

(i) 14283 = 3 x 3 x 3 x 23 x 23


Grouping the factors into pairs:

14283 = (3 x 3) x (23 x 23) x 3

Here, the factor 3 does not occur in pairs. To be a perfect square, all the factors have to be in pairs. Hence, the smallest number by which 14283 must be divided for it to be a perfect square is 3.

(ii) 1800= 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 x 5 x 5


Grouping the factors into pairs:

1800 = (2 x 2) x (3 x 3) x (5 x 5) x 2

Here, the factor 2 does not occur in pairs. To be a perfect square, all the factors have to be in pairs. Hence, the smallest number by which 1800 must be divided for it to be a perfect square is 2.

(iii) 2904 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 11 x 11



Grouping the factors into pairs:

2904 = (2 x 2) x (11 x 11) x 2 x 3

Here, the factors 2 and 3 do not occur in pairs. To be a perfect square, all the factors have to be in pairs. Hence, the smallest number by which 2904 must be divided for it to be a perfect square is 2 x 3, i.e. 6.