The prime factorization of 104 is 2 × 2 × 2 × 13 or 23 × 13.
To arrive at this factorization, we start by dividing 104 by the smallest prime number, which is 2:
- 104 ÷ 2 = 52
Next, we can continue dividing 52 by 2:
- 52 ÷ 2 = 26
Continuing with 26:
- 26 ÷ 2 = 13
Now, 13 is a prime number and cannot be divided further by any other prime numbers. Thus, we stop here. Combining all the factors, we can express 104 as the product of primes:
104 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 13.
This can also be written in exponential form as 23 × 13. Therefore, the prime factorization of 104 highlights the prime numbers that multiply together to yield the original number.