To find the prime factors of 36, we can start by dividing it by the smallest prime number, which is 2.
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Divide by 2: \(36 \div 2 = 18\)
So, we have one factor: \(2\). -
Divide by 2 again: \(18 \div 2 = 9\)
Another factor of \(2\). -
Now divide 9 by the next smallest prime number, which is 3: \(9 \div 3 = 3\)
So, we have one factor: \(3\). -
Finally, divide 3 by itself: \(3 \div 3 = 1\)
Another factor of \(3\).
Now we can write the prime factorization of 36 as: \(36 = 2^2 \times 3^2\).
Thus, the prime factors of 36 are \(2\) and \(3\).