Write 72 as the product of its prime factors.

Sure, here are the steps to write 72 as the product of its prime factors:

1. First, we start by finding the smallest prime number that can divide 72. The smallest prime number is 2.

2. Divide 72 by 2, which equals 36.

3. Continue to divide 36 by 2, which equals 18.

4. Divide 18 by 2, which equals 9.

5. Now, 9 cannot be divided by 2, so we move to the next prime number, which is 3. Divide 9 by 3, which equals 3.

6. Finally, divide 3 by 3, which equals 1.

So, the prime factorization of 72 is 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3, or written with exponents, 2^3 x 3^2.