What is the prime factorization of 90?

To find the prime factorization of 90, we start by dividing it by the smallest prime number, which is 2. Since 90 is even, we can divide it by 2:

• 90 ÷ 2 = 45

Now, we continue with the next smallest prime number, which is 3. We can divide 45 by 3:

• 45 ÷ 3 = 15

Next, we can divide 15 by 3 again:

• 15 ÷ 3 = 5

Finally, we are left with 5, which is also a prime number. This means we can no longer divide further. Now, let’s summarize our divisions:

• 90 = 2 × 3 × 3 × 5

In exponential form, this can be written as:

• 90 = 2¹ × 3² × 5¹

Thus, the prime factorization of 90 is 2 × 3² × 5.