The number 3 is prime and has only one factor.
3 = 31
A better example of exponents in factoring would be a composite number such as 18:
18 = 2 x 3 x 3
18 = 21 x 32
3 x 112 = 363
150 = 2*3*52
In a prime factorization, exponents are a form of shorthand.2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 x 3 is the prime factorization of 216.That can be written as 23 x 33
63 = 7*9= 7*3*3= 7* (3)^2
22 x 3 x 5 x 13 = 780
96 = 25*3
3^2
3 x 3 x 3
Prime factors in exponent form: 2^3 * 3^3 * 5
22 x 3 = 12
3^2 x 7
3 x 112 = 363
150 = 2*3*52
531 = 3 * 3 * 59 = 32 * 59
Prime factors in exponent form: 3^6 * 5^2
It is: 2*3*17 =102 and exponents not needed
22 x 3 x 59 = 708