16. What is the prime factorization of 4?

A. [tex]2 \times 2[/tex]
B. [tex]1 \times 4[/tex]
C. [tex]1 + 2 + 2[/tex]
D. [tex]2 \times 4[/tex]



Answer :

Let's determine the prime factorization of the number 4.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. The number 4 can be written as the product of two equal integers: [tex]\( 4 = 2 \times 2 \)[/tex].
2. We now verify if both factors are prime numbers.
- A prime number is a number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself.
- The number 2 is a prime number because its only divisors are 1 and 2.

Therefore, the prime factorization of 4 is [tex]\( 2 \times 2 \)[/tex].

Looking at the given choices:
(A) [tex]\( 2 \times 2 \)[/tex]
(B) [tex]\( 1 \times 4 \)[/tex]
(C) [tex]\( 1 \times 2 + 2 \)[/tex]
(D) [tex]\( 2 \times 4 \)[/tex]

The correct choice is (A) [tex]\( 2 \times 2 \)[/tex].