1. The problem is to understand or interpret the number 72. 2. Since 72 is a number, we can explore its properties such as factors, prime factorization, and divisibility. 3. The prime factorization of 72 is found by dividing by the smallest primes: $$72 \div 2 = 36$$ $$36 \div 2 = 18$$ $$18 \div 2 = 9$$ $$9 \div 3 = 3$$ $$3 \div 3 = 1$$ 4. So, the prime factorization is: $$72 = 2^3 \times 3^2$$ 5. This means 72 is composed of three 2's multiplied by two 3's. 6. 72 is an even number because it is divisible by 2. 7. It is also a composite number because it has factors other than 1 and itself. 8. The factors of 72 include 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 72. 9. Understanding these properties helps in various algebraic and arithmetic contexts. Final answer: The number 72 has prime factorization $$72 = 2^3 \times 3^2$$ and is a composite, even number with multiple factors.