Question

write the prime factorization of 12. use exponents when appropriate and order the factors from least to greatest (for example, $2^2 \cdot 3 \cdot 5$).

Explanation:

Step1: Divide 12 by smallest prime

$12 \div 2 = 6$

Step2: Divide quotient by 2 again

$6 \div 2 = 3$

Step3: Divide quotient by 3

$3 \div 3 = 1$

Step4: Write primes with exponents

Group repeated primes: $2 \times 2 \times 3 = 2^2 \times 3$

Answer:

$2^2 \cdot 3$