Question

what is the prime factorization of 28?

Explanation:

Step1: Start with the smallest prime

We start by dividing 28 by the smallest prime number, which is 2. $28 \div 2 = 14$.

Step2: Divide the quotient by 2 again

Now, we take the quotient 14 and divide it by 2 again. $14 \div 2 = 7$.

Step3: Check if 7 is prime

The number 7 is a prime number (it has no divisors other than 1 and itself).

Step4: Write the prime factorization

So, the prime factorization of 28 is the product of the primes we used: $2 \times 2 \times 7$ or $2^2 \times 7$.

Answer:

$2^2 \times 7$ (or $2 \times 2 \times 7$)