Final answer:
The prime factorization of 75 is obtained by dividing the number by the smallest prime factors, resulting in 3 x 5^2. This indicates that the number 75 is made up of one 3 and two fives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The prime factorization of a number is breaking down that number into the product of its prime factors. For the number 75, let's identify its prime factors:
- Start by dividing 75 by the smallest prime number possible, which is 2. Since 75 is odd, it's not divisible by 2.
- Move to the next prime number, which is 3. 75 divided by 3 gives 25, so we have one factor of 3.
- The quotient we got is 25, which is 5 squared (52). So, the other factors are two 5s.
Putting it all together, the prime factorization of 75 is 3 x 52.
This means the correct answer from the given options is 3 x 52, as the number 75 is composed of one 3 and two 5s.