The prime factorization of 56 can be found by dividing it by the smallest prime numbers. Here’s how it works:
- Divide 56 by 2 (the smallest prime number): \[ 56 \div 2 = 28 \]
- Divide 28 by 2: \[ 28 \div 2 = 14 \]
- Divide 14 by 2: \[ 14 \div 2 = 7 \]
- Finally, 7 is a prime number.
Putting it all together, the prime factorization of 56 is: \[ 2^3 \times 7 \]
So, \( 56 = 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 7 \).