What is the greatest prime factor of 2^5 - 2^3? — GMAT

What is the greatest prime factor of $2^5 - 2^3$ ?

Evaluating

2^5 - 2^3

yields

32 - 8 = 24

. The prime factorization of 24 is

2^3 \times 3

. The distinct prime factors are 2 and 3, making 3 the greatest prime factor.

Evaluate the arithmetic expression

2^5 - 2^3 = 32 - 8 = 24

Calculate the numerical value of the expression before finding prime factors.

Find the prime factorization of 24

24 = 2^3 \times 3

Break down 24 into a product of prime numbers.

Identify the greatest prime factor

The prime factors are 2 and 3. The greatest prime factor is 3.

Compare the distinct prime factors (2 and 3) to find the largest one.

Prime Factorization

Estimated Time:45s

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