Question: A volcanologist observes 289 seismic tremors in a week. What is the smallest prime factor of this number?

Sun, 03 May 2026 09:39:48 +0000

**A volcanologist observes 289 seismic tremors in a week. What is the smallest prime factor of this number?**
An increasing number of Americans are tuning into seismic trends as natural curiosity about Earth’s activity grows. Recently, a volcanologist recorded 289 minor tremors over just seven days—an event that sparks interest not only among scientists but also curious members of the public. This raises a precise question: What is the smallest prime factor of 289? While the tremor count itself may seem routine, exploring its numerical composition offers a tangible way to connect real-world data with fundamental math principles. This curiosity-driven inquiry highlights how everyday observations can lead to meaningful scientific insight. Why 289 is catching attention in science and safety communities
The recent seismic activity, though mild, underscores the importance of monitoring Earth’s hidden processes. With social media and news outlets highlighting geological events, simple yet precise questions about numbers involved in natural phenomena have sparked wider interest. Audiences seek clarity on what 289 represents—especially its underlying structure. Understanding the smallest prime factor of this number not only satisfies mathematical curiosity but also shows how STEM fields contribute to public awareness and risk awareness. Amidst growing environmental and disaster preparedness concerns, such questions reinforce trust in expert monitoring systems. How to uncover the smallest prime factor of 289
To determine the smallest prime factor of 289, we examine its divisibility starting from the smallest prime numbers: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, and so on. A prime factor is a prime number that divides 289 evenly without leaving a remainder. Since 289 is odd, it’s not divisible by 2. Testing further:
- It’s not divisible by 3 (2 + 8 + 9 = 19, which isn’t divisible by 3)
- It doesn’t end in 0 or 5, so not divisible by 5
- Dividing 289 by 7 yields 41.28…, not an integer
- Testing 17, we find 289 ÷ 17 = 17 — a clean division confirming 17 is a factor Since 17 divides evenly and is prime, and no smaller prime divides 289, 17 is confirmed as the smallest prime factor. This method reflects how numerical analysis connects raw data to deeper understanding in fields like volcanology.