5100346
Which is the correct prime factorization of \(720\)?
a) \(8\times9\times10\)
b) \(2\times5\times7\times11\)
c) \(2^3\times3^2\times5\)
d) \(2^4\times3^2\times5\)
Hints
- In a prime factorization, every factor must be prime.
- Check whether every number in each choice is prime.
- You can also evaluate each choice and compare it with \(720\).
Solution
1. Decompose \(720\) as \(72\times10\).
2. Factor each part into primes: \(72=8\times9=2\times2\times2\times3\times3\), and \(10=2\times5\).
3. Combine repeated prime factors: \(2\times2\times2\times2\times3\times3\times5=2^4\times3^2\times5\).
Answer
d) \(2^4\times3^2\times5\)
