What is the Prime Factorization of 252?

The prime factorization of 252 is the process of breaking down the number 252 into its prime factors. Prime factors are prime numbers that multiply together to give the original number.

To find the prime factorization of 252, follow these steps:

1. Divide 252 by the smallest prime number, which is 2. 252 ÷ 2 = 126.
2. Divide 126 by 2 again. 126 ÷ 2 = 63.
3. Now, 63 is not divisible by 2, so we move to the next prime number, which is 3. 63 ÷ 3 = 21.
4. Divide 21 by 3 again. 21 ÷ 3 = 7.
5. Finally, 7 is a prime number itself, so we stop here.

So, the prime factors of 252 are 2, 2, 3, 3, and 7. In exponential form, this can be written as 2² × 3² × 7¹.

Therefore, the prime factorization of 252 is:

252 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 7