Answer
$48=2^4\times3$
Work Step by Step
48 is an even number, so it is a multiple of 2.
$48=2\times24$
24 is also an even number, so it is a multiple of 2.
$48=2\times2\times12$
12 is also an even number, so it is a multiple of 2.
$48=2\times2\times2\times6$
6 is also an even number, so it is a multiple of 2
$48=2\times2\times2\times2\times3=48=2^4\times3$