Final answer:
The missing number in the prime factorization of 120 is 2 cubed (2^3), as 23 times 5 times 2^3 equals 120.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks for the missing number in the prime factorization of 120 that, when multiplied with 23 and 5, results in 120. To find this number, we first calculate the product of 23 and 5, which is 115. Since 115 multiplied by any single digit will not give us 120, we need to find a combination of prime factors that will yield the remaining value to reach 120 when multiplied by 115. We divide 120 by 115 to find that remaining value, which gives us 8. The prime factorization of 8 is 23. Therefore, the missing number in the prime factorization of 120 is 23 which is the cube of 2, or 2 multiplied by itself three times.