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].
