Which of the following is the prime factorization of 28?

The prime factorization of a number involves breaking it down into its prime components. A prime number is a natural number greater than 1 that cannot be formed by multiplying two smaller natural numbers.

To find the prime factorization of 28, we can start by dividing it by the smallest prime number, which is 2. Dividing 28 by 2 gives us 14. Since 14 is not prime, we continue to factor it. Dividing 14 by 2 again gives us 7, which is a prime number.

Now we can express 28 as the product of these prime factors:

28 = 2 × 2 × 7

This can also be written as (2^2 \times 7).

The correct answer reflects this breakdown into the prime factors, showing that the prime factorization of 28 is indeed 2 multiplied by itself (2 × 2) and then multiplied by 7.

In contrast, while the other options present valid products that equal 28, they do not correctly represent the prime components required in the prime factorization. For example, one option breaks the number down using non-prime factors or has incorrect combinations of prime factors, while another option