Question

select the correct choice below and, if necessary. a. the prime factorization is 84 = . (use the operation symbols in the math palette as b. the number is prime.

Explanation:

Step1: Prime - factorize 84

We start by dividing 84 by the smallest prime number 2. $84\div2 = 42$. Then divide 42 by 2 again: $42\div2=21$. Then divide 21 by 3: $21\div3 = 7$. Since 7 is a prime number, the prime - factorization of 84 is $2\times2\times3\times7=2^{2}\times3\times7$.

Step2: Analyze option B

A prime number has only two distinct positive divisors: 1 and itself. 84 is not a prime number as it has multiple factors other than 1 and 84 (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, etc.).

Answer:

A. The prime - factorization is $84 = 2^{2}\times3\times7$