To find the prime factorization of 168, we'll divide it by prime numbers until we can no longer divide evenly.
Start by dividing 168 by the smallest prime number, which is 2:
168 ÷ 2 = 84
168 can be divided evenly by 2, so we continue with the quotient.
Next, divide 84 by 2 again:
84 ÷ 2 = 42
Again, the quotient can be divided by 2.
We continue dividing by 2:
42 ÷ 2 = 21
The process still works.
Divide 21 by 3:
21 ÷ 3 = 7
Here, we have reached a prime number (7).
7 is already a prime number, so we cannot divide it further.
Now, let's combine the prime factors:
168 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 7
Therefore, the prime factorization of 168 is 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 7.