1. The problem is to solve the number 51, which is interpreted as finding the prime factorization of 51. 2. The formula or method used is to find the prime factors by dividing the number by the smallest prime numbers starting from 2. 3. Start dividing 51 by 2: $$\frac{51}{2}$$ is not an integer, so 2 is not a factor. 4. Try dividing by 3: $$\frac{51}{3} = 17$$ which is an integer, so 3 is a factor. 5. Now check if 17 is prime. Since 17 is only divisible by 1 and 17, it is prime. 6. Therefore, the prime factorization of 51 is $$51 = 3 \times 17$$. 7. This means 51 is composed of the prime numbers 3 and 17 multiplied together.