Question: what is prime factorization using exponents?
Answer: Prime factorization is the breaking down of a number into the prime numbers that multiply to the original number. For example, the prime factorization of 12 is 2 * 2 * 3. We can add exponents when we have the same prime number occurring more than once. So, the prime factorization of 12 can also be written as 22 * 3.