Find the prime factors of 180

To find the prime factors of **180**, we'll perform a **prime factorization**, which involves breaking down the number into its smallest prime components. Here's a step-by-step guide: ### Step 1: Start with the Smallest Prime Number (2) 1. **180 ÷ 2 = 90** 2 is a prime factor. 2. **90 ÷ 2 = 45** 2 is a prime factor again. *Now, 45 is not divisible by 2.* ### Step 2: Move to the Next Prime Number (3) 3. **45 ÷ 3 = 15** 3 is a prime factor. 4. **15 ÷ 3 = 5** 3 is a prime factor again. *Now, 5 is not divisible by 3.* ### Step 3: Move to the Next Prime Number (5) 5. **5 ÷ 5 = 1** 5 is a prime factor. *Now, we've reached 1, and the factorization is complete.* ### Summary of Prime Factors - **2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 5** This can also be expressed using exponents: - **2² × 3² × 5** ### Final Answer The prime factors of 180 are 2, 2, 3, 3, and 5. In exponential form, this is written as: **2² × 3² × 5**