Question

What is the prime factorization of 72?

A. 1 x 2 x 4 x 9
B. 2^2 x 3^2
C. 2^2 x 3^3
D 2^3 x 3^2

Answer 1

Just to keep it simple-the correct answer is D.

Explanation:

2^3 x 3^2=

(2 x 2 x 2) x (3 x 3)=

8 x 9 = 72

Answer 2

Prime factorization can be obtained by the factor tree
72=2*36=2*(2*18)=2*(2*(2*9))=2*2*2*3*3=2^3*3^2