Question

write the prime factorization of 42. use exponents when appropriate and order the factors from least to greatest (for example, $2^2 \cdot 3 \cdot 5$).

Explanation:

Step1: Divide by smallest prime

$42 \div 2 = 21$

Step2: Divide result by next prime

$21 \div 3 = 7$

Step3: 7 is prime, stop. List primes

Order factors: $2, 3, 7$

Answer:

$2 \cdot 3 \cdot 7$