What is the prime factorization of 12?

The prime factorization of a number involves breaking it down into the prime numbers that, when multiplied together, will give the original number. For 12, we start by identifying the smallest prime number, which is 2.

First, we divide 12 by 2:

12 ÷ 2 = 6

Next, we take the result (6) and divide it again by 2:

6 ÷ 2 = 3

Now we have 3, which is a prime number and cannot be divided further. Thus, the complete prime factorization of 12 can be expressed as:

2 × 2 × 3

or more concisely written as:

2² × 3

This shows that the correct breakdown involves the prime numbers 2 and 3, representing all the factors needed to arrive at 12. Hence, the prime factorization of 12 is accurately represented by the first choice.