How do you write the prime factorization of 48?

To find the prime factorization of 48, you need to break it down into its prime factors. Here’s how you can do it step by step:

Step-by-Step Process

1. Start with the Number

Begin with the number 48.

2. Divide by the Smallest Prime

The smallest prime number is 2. Since 48 is even, you can divide it by 2:

• 48 ÷ 2 = 24

3. Continue Dividing

Keep dividing by 2 until you can no longer do so:

• 24 ÷ 2 = 12
• 12 ÷ 2 = 6
• 6 ÷ 2 = 3

4. Identify the Last Prime Factor

Now, you have 3, which is also a prime number. So, you stop here.

Final Prime Factorization

The prime factorization of 48 can be expressed as:

• 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 3

This can also be written using exponents as:

• 2⁴ × 3

Thus, the prime factorization of 48 is 2⁴ × 3.