what is the prime factorization of 24
The prime factorization of 24 is 2 x 2 x 2 x 3, or 2^3 x 3.
To find the prime factorization of 24, we need to determine the prime numbers that multiply together to equal 24. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Start with the smallest prime number, which is 2.
2 × 12 = 24
Step 2: Continue dividing the resulting quotient by 2 until we can no longer divide evenly.
2 × 2 × 6 = 24
Step 3: Again, divide the new quotient by 2.
2 × 2 × 2 × 3 = 24
Step 4: Now, we see that 3 is a prime number, so we cannot divide any further.
Therefore, the prime factorization of 24 is 2 × 2 × 2 × 3, which can be written as 2³ × 3.