Final answer:
The prime factorization of 32 is found by repeatedly dividing by the prime number 2 until we are left with only prime numbers. The process yields 2µ, which is 2 multiplied by itself 5 times.
Step-by-step explanation:
The prime factorization of a number is breaking it down into the product of its prime factors. To find the prime factorization of 32, we divide it by the smallest prime number it's divisible by, which is 2, and continue the process with the quotient until we are left with only prime numbers. Here's the step-by-step process:
- 32 ÷ 2 = 16
- 16 ÷ 2 = 8
- 8 ÷ 2 = 4
- 4 ÷ 2 = 2
- Since 2 is a prime number, we stop here.
So, the prime factorization of 32 is 2µ (2 times itself 5 times).