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Finding the Greatest Common Factor

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Basics on the topic Finding the Greatest Common Factor

Finding the Greatest Common Factor – Introduction

In mathematics, the concept of finding the greatest common factor (GCF) is incredibly useful for solving a variety of problems. Whether simplifying fractions, solving equations, or analyzing ratios, understanding how to determine the GCF can simplify computations and lead to more elegant solutions. Let's dive into what the greatest common factor is and how to find it.

Understanding the Greatest Common Factor – Definition

The greatest common factor (GCF), sometimes known as the greatest common divisor (GCD) or highest common factor (HCF), is the largest whole number that is a divisor of two or more given numbers.

The GCF is instrumental in simplifying fractions, solving problems with ratios, and even in everyday situations like dividing a set of items into equal groups without leftovers.

How to Find the GCF – Method

There are several methods to find the GCF, including prime factorisation and listing. Let's look at one method, prime factorisation.

Steps to Find the GCF:

  1. Decompose each number into prime factors.
  2. Identify the common prime factors.
  3. Multiply these common prime factors together to get the GCF.

For instance, to find the GCF of 18 and 24:

  • Prime factors of 18: 2 × 3 × 3
  • Prime factors of 24: 2 × 2 × 2 × 3
  • Common factors are 2 and 3
  • Thus, GCF(18, 24) = 2 × 3 = 6

Check your understanding so far.

What is the GCF of 8 and 12 using prime factorisation?
What is the GCF of 27 and 36?
What is the GCF of 14 and 28?

Finding the Greatest Common Factor – Guided Practice

Suppose we want to find the GCF of 45 and 75. Follow the steps of prime factorisation:

  1. List the prime factors for both numbers.
  2. Circle the common prime factors.
  3. Multiply these to calculate the GCF.

Let’s find the GCF of 45 and 75.

Step 1: What are the prime factors of 45 and 75?
Step 2: What are the common prime factors of 45 and 75?
Step 3: What is the GCF of 45 and 75?

Try practising finding the GCF on your own!

Finding the Greatest Common Factor – Summary

Key Learnings from this Text:

  • The greatest common factor is the highest number that divides two or more numbers without leaving a remainder.
  • Prime factorisation is a reliable method to find the GCF.
  • The GCF is useful in simplifying fractions, distributing goods evenly, and more.

Explore other content on our website platform for interactive practice problems, videos, and printable worksheets that support your educational journey in understanding factors and multiples.

Finding the Greatest Common Factor – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the greatest common factor?
How do you calculate the GCF using prime factorisation?
Can the GCF be larger than the smallest number being compared?
Is the GCF relevant in real life?
What if the numbers have no common factors other than 1?
Can the GCF help in reducing fractions to simplest form?
How do you find the GCF of more than two numbers?
Can the GCF be found for negative numbers?
What is the difference between GCF and LCM?
Is there a quick method to find the GCF?

Transcript Finding the Greatest Common Factor

Luis and June seem to be struggling to find some common factors between them. Speaking of common factors, let's learn about finding the greatest common factor. The greatest common factor, or , is the largest number that divides equally into two or more numbers. We often use the to solve problems involving equal sharing, like dividing a cake or distributing supplies between your friends. There are two methods of finding the ; factor pairs and factor trees. First, let's explore factor pairs. This method lists out factor pairs and is most useful for smaller numbers. For this strategy, we will use twelve and fifteen. Factor pairs for twelve are one and twelve, two and six and three and four. Factor pairs for fifteen are one and fifteen and three and five. Now find the largest factor that both numbers have in common. What is the highest factor twelve and fifteen have in common? Three, so the of twelve and fifteen is three. Now let's explore the second method, factor trees which uses prime factorisation. This method is most useful when dealing with larger numbers. First, start with the numbers at the top; here we have twenty-four and thirty-six. Now find the prime factorisation for each number. For twenty-four, we have two and twelve, two and six and two and three. For thirty-six, we have two and eighteen, two and nine and three and three. Next, identify the shared prime factors. Both twenty-four and thirty-six share a two, another two and a three. Finally, multiply these together to find the . We need to solve two times two times three. Two times two equals four and four times three equals twelve. The of twenty-four and thirty-six is twelve. Now it's your turn! Find the of thirty-six and fifty-four. Pause the video to work on the problem, and press play when you are ready for the solution. The factor tree of thirty-six is four and nine, two and two and three and three. The factor tree of fifty-four is six and nine, two and three and three and three. The shared factors are a two, a three and another three. Multiplied together you get a of eighteen. Let's summarise. There are two useful methods for finding the greatest common factor, or . The first method is factor pairs. This is useful for finding the with smaller numbers. The second method is factor trees. This is useful for finding the with larger numbers. Finding the can help in making fair and efficient decisions when it comes to sharing. Ah, it looks like Luis and June have finally found their greatest common factor, their love for maths and factor trees!

Finding the Greatest Common Factor exercise

Would you like to apply the knowledge you’ve learnt? You can review and practice it with the tasks for the video Finding the Greatest Common Factor.
  • What is GCF?

    Hints

    When finding the GCF, we are looking for something that two or more numbers share or have in common.

    The GCF of 12 and 15 is 3. This is the biggest number that fits equally into 12 and 15.

    Solution

    GCF stands for Greatest Common Factor.

    It is the largest number that divides equally into two or more numbers.

  • Find the GCF of 12 and 24.

    Hints

    All of the factors of 12 are also factors of 24, which is the greatest?

    Greatest means the largest common factor.

    Solution

    The Greatest Common Factor (GCF) of 12 and 24 is 12.

    This is the largest number that equally divides into both numbers.

  • Find the GCF of 54 and 72.

    Hints

    Fill in the gaps in each factor tree first.

    How many times does 27 go into 54? This is a factor pair.

    Once you have completed each factor tree, look for the shared factors.

    You should find the shared factors of 2, 3 and 3. Multiply these together to find the GCF.

    Solution

    The greatest common factor of 54 and 72 is 18.

    When we complete the factor trees for 54 and 72, we can find the shared factors of 2, 3 and 3. When we multiply 2 $\times$ 3 $\times$ 3 we get 18.

  • Can you find the GCF of these pairs of numbers?

    Hints

    Draw out factor pairs for smaller numbers or factor trees for larger numbers.

    For 15 and 30, draw factor pairs. Here is one for 15, can you draw one for 30 and then find the GCF?

    For 126 and 154, factor trees would be helpful.

    Once you have drawn your factor trees, look for all of the shared factors and multiply them to find the GCF.

    Solution
    • The GCF of 15 and 30 is 15.
    • The GCF of 84 and 144 is 12.
    • The GCF of 126 and 154 is 14.
    • The GCF of 21 and 35 is 7.
  • Find the GCF of 12 and 18.

    Hints

    First look for common factors. Which numbers are factors of both 12 and 18?

    Out of these common factors, which one is the greatest or largest number?

    Solution

    The correct answer is 6.

    The common factors are: 1, 2, 3 and 6.

    Out of these common factors, 6 is the greatest.

  • Can you solve the problem?

    Hints

    You need to find the greatest common factor of 72, 96 and 104.

    Draw a factor tree for each of these numbers and look for the shared factors.

    You should find the shared factors of 2, 2 and 2. Multiply these together to find the answer.

    Solution

    The greatest number of bunches is 8.

    The greatest common factor of 72, 96 and 108 is 8, therefore, this is the greatest number of bunches Cara can make with the same number of of each colour of balloon.