Prime Factorization

1.
Set the number equal to a 100 = 50 x 2
multiplication expression
of smaller factors.

2. 100 = 50 x 2
Rewrite the equation, = 25 x 2 x 2
dividing numbers than
are not prime into smaller =5x5x2x2
factors.

3.
Combine factors that
100 = 50 x 2
are the same with an = 25 x 2 x 2
exponent for the number =5x5x2x2
of times they occur. = 5² x 2²