Question

What is the prime factorization of 72?

2-2-2-3
2.2.3.3.3
O2-2-2-3-3
0.2.2-2.5

Answer 1

72 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 3

72 = 2³ × 3²

Explanation:

Divide by the prime numbers starting with 2 and going up. Divide as many times as possible by each prime before moving to the next one.

First several prime numbers: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, ...

72/2 = 36

36/2 = 18

18/2 = 9

9/3 = 3

3/3 = 1

72 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 3

72 = 2³ × 3²