What is the prime factorization of 28?

The prime factorization of a number breaks it down into the set of prime numbers that multiply together to give the original number. A prime number is defined as a number greater than 1 that has no divisors other than 1 and itself.

To find the prime factorization of 28, you start by dividing it by the smallest prime number, which is 2. When you divide 28 by 2, you get 14:

28 ÷ 2 = 14

You can then continue factoring 14 by dividing it by 2 again:

14 ÷ 2 = 7

Now, we reach 7, which is also a prime number. This process gives us the factors:

28 = 2 × 2 × 7

In prime factorization terms, this can be written as:

28 = 2² × 7

This indicates that the prime factorization consists of two instances of the prime number 2 and one instance of the prime number 7. Therefore, the correct representation of the prime factors in the answer you provided includes two 2s and one 7, which is why that choice is the right one.