The prime factorization of 56 is the process of breaking down the number 56 into its prime numbers. Prime factorization involves dividing the number by the smallest prime number until we can’t divide anymore.
Let’s break it down step by step:
- Start with the number 56.
- Divide 56 by the smallest prime number, which is 2. 56 ÷ 2 = 28.
- Now, divide 28 by 2 again. 28 ÷ 2 = 14.
- Next, divide 14 by 2 once more. 14 ÷ 2 = 7.
- Finally, 7 is a prime number, so we stop here.
So, the prime factors of 56 are 2 × 2 × 2 × 7, or in exponential form, 2³ × 7.
Therefore, the prime factorization of 56 is 2³ × 7.