what is the prime factorization of 42.

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To find the prime factorization of 42, we need to determine the prime numbers that multiply together to give us the number 42.

The first step is to divide 42 by the smallest prime number, 2. If 42 is divisible by 2, we divide it and continue to divide the resulting quotient until it is no longer divisible by 2.

42 ÷ 2 = 21
21 ÷ 2 = not divisible by 2

Since 21 is not divisible by 2, we move on to the next prime number, which is 3. We divide 21 by 3 and continue this process until it is no longer divisible by 3.

21 ÷ 3 = 7

Now, 7 is a prime number, so we have completed the process. The prime factorization of 42 is 2 × 3 × 7, which can also be written as 2^1 × 3^1 × 7^1.

Therefore, the prime factorization of 42 is 2 × 3 × 7.