Question

write the prime factorization of 45. use exponents when appropriate and order the factors from least to greatest (for example, $2^2 \cdot 3 \cdot 5$).

Explanation:

Step1: Start with dividing 45 by the smallest prime number, which is 3.

$45 \div 3 = 15$

Step2: Divide the quotient (15) by 3 again.

$15 \div 3 = 5$

Step3: Now, 5 is a prime number, so we stop here.

The prime factors of 45 are 3, 3, and 5. Using exponents for repeated factors, we get $3^2 \cdot 5$.

Answer:

$3^2 \cdot 5$