What is prime factorization for 72

2•2•2•3•3 or 2³ • 3²

A) 23 · 32

Step-by-step explanation:

The easiest way to decompose (or factor) a number is to start by trying to divide it by 2 if the number is even, or by 3 if the number is odd. If this division gives a whole number, continue dividing by 2 or 3, until you obtain a prime number:

72/2 = 36

36/2 = 18

18/2 = 9

9/3 = 3

The multiple of all the bold numbers is the prime factorization of 72: 2 · 2 · 2 · 3 · 3. This is more commonly expressed as powers of 2 and 3: 23 · 32. The last answer choice is also equal to 72, but is not a prime factorization of 72 because it contains 8, which is not a prime number.