Final answer:
The prime factorization of 1260 is 2² × 3² × 5 × 7.
Step-by-step explanation:
The prime factorization of 1260 can be found by continuously dividing it by prime numbers until we cannot divide any further. Here are the steps:
- Divide 1260 by the smallest prime number, 2. The quotient is 630.
- Divide 630 by 2 again. The quotient is 315.
- Now, divide 315 by the next smallest prime number, 3. The quotient is 105.
- Continue dividing by 3: 105 ÷ 3 = 35.
- Divide 35 by 5: 35 ÷ 5 = 7.
- Finally, divide 7 by 7: 7 ÷ 7 = 1.
Therefore, the prime factorization of 1260 is 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 5 × 7 = 2² × 3² × 5 × 7.