Answer: 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3
Step-by-step explanation: To find the prime factorization of 72, remember that prime factorization is just finding the prime numbers that can be multiplied together to get the original number.
First, let's create a factor tree so we can visualize this better. 76 can have two branches coming down from it because 2 multiplied by 36 gives us 72. Now, we can circle the 72 because it's prime.
Next, 2 multiplied by 18 gives us a product of 32 so we can create two more branches coming down from 36 and we can circle the 2 because it's a prime number.
Then, 2 multiplied by 9 gives us 18 so we can create two more branches coming down from 18 and we will circle the number 2 because it's a prime number.
Finally, 3 multiplied by 3 gives us a product of 9 so we can create two more branches coming down from 9 and we will circle both 3's because they are both prime numbers.
Now, we can multiply all of our prime numbers we circle which is as followed.
2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 = 72
Image provided.
