Question

write 42 as a product of prime factors.
$42 = \square$

Explanation:

Step1: Divide by smallest prime (2)

$42 \div 2 = 21$

Step2: Divide 21 by smallest prime (3)

$21 \div 3 = 7$

Step3: 7 is prime, stop. Combine factors

$2 \times 3 \times 7$

Answer:

$2 \times 3 \times 7$