This means first we divide 36 by 2 (the first prime number), the result is 18.

This means 36 = 2*18.

Next we divide 18 by 2, the result is 9.

This means 18 = 2*9.

Next we divide 9 by 3, the result is 3. (we divide by 3, the second prime number since 2 is not dividing 9).

This means 9 = 3*3 = 3^2.

Now we go back. Plug 9 = 3^2 into 18 = 2*9.

18 = 2*3^2

Plug 18 = 2*3^2 into 36 = 2*18

36 = 2*2*3^2

36 = 2^2*3^2