Determine the prime factorization of 88.

a. 22 • 11

b. 22 • 3 • 5

c. 23 • 11

d. 2 • 32 • 5

None of the answers above are the prime factorization of 88

Each one of them is way too big.

88 can be broken down in 11 x 8

While 11 is prime, 8 is still composite and can be broken down into 2 x 4

The 2 is prime but the 4 is still composite so it can be broken down into 2 x 2, both of which are prime. So it appears we have (in numerical order smallest to biggest):

2 x 2 x 2 x 11 or 2³ x 11 this is the correct prime factorization of 88.

Check: 2 x 2 x 2 = 8 x 11 = 88

The Prime Factors of 88 are:

2 x 2 x 2 x 11

In Exponential Form:

2₃ x 11₁

Prime Factors Tree:

88

/ /

2 44

/ /

2 22

/ /

2 11

Hopefully you understand now! : D