Give the prime factorization of the number :
56

Answer

To find the prime factorization of the number 56, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the number**: We start with the number 56.

2. **Find the smallest prime factor**: The smallest prime number that divides 56 is 2.
- So, we divide 56 by 2:
\[ 56 \div 2 = 28 \]

3. **Continue factoring**: Now, we take the result (28) and find the smallest prime factor again. The smallest prime number that divides 28 is also 2.
- We divide 28 by 2:
\[ 28 \div 2 = 14 \]

4. **Repeat the process**: Next, we take 14 and find its smallest prime factor, which is again 2.
- We divide 14 by 2:
\[ 14 \div 2 = 7 \]

5. **Identify the last factor**: Now we have 7, which is a prime number. We cannot factor it further.

6. **Write the prime factorization**: Now we can express 56 as a product of its prime factors:
\[ 56 = 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 7 \]
This can also be written using exponents:
\[ 56 = 2^3 \times 7 \]

### Final Answer:
The prime factorization of 56 is \( 2^3 \times 7 \).

---