Question

I do not understand the greatest common factor . This is what the first question it for 24

Answer 1

you dont understand what a greatest comon factor is? or what it is for a certain problem??

Answer 2

i suppose one would suggest the other :)

Answer 3

The greatest common factor is the largest positive integer that divides two numbers without a remainder. It is commonly found by either prime factorisation or the Euclidean algorithm, by uncultured cretins and cultured mathematicians, respectively.

Answer 4

that algorithm ..is that the one subtracted from another and on down the line?

Answer 5

Of course.

Answer 6

yes, ok. so i have to be able to divid then number into correct

Answer 7

Yes. What numbers are you trying to find it for? IF they are > 10000, look up Euclidean algorithm, if not, factorise them.

Answer 8

so then like 24. 12,8,6,4,2 are the factor

Answer 9

Well, they are, but you want the prime factorisation:

24 = 2 * 12 = 2 * 2 * 6 = 2 * 2 * 2 * 3 = 2^3 x 3

It is easier (quicker) to compare numbers this way, though if you found ALL the factors for both, then the highest of them would be the answer, but it's easier to find the prime factorisation and the highest common factor is the part of that which is in both.

Answer 10

my home work is telling me find the gratest common fator and it gives me a example 36: and the answer is writen down 36,18,9, 12,6,4,3,2,1 and 12 this number is underline so that is telling me that is the greates common factor.

Answer 11

How old are you?

Answer 12

If you're young, then you're probably just meant to find all factors and use that. Oh, wait, anyone who does HCF problems is young.

Answer 13

Quicker to go:

24 = 2^3 x 3
36 = 2^2 x 3^2

HCF = 2^2 x 3 = 12, though

Answer 14

I am in 5th . does that mean you can not help me?

Answer 15

so then the answer I gave you 36,18,9,12,6,4,3,2,1, is not correct for 36?

Answer 16

They are all the factors of 36, yes. 12 is the highest factor of both 24 and 36 so is the answer. You can work out the highest common factor of a number that way I just find it tedious)

Answer 17

so sorry. but, that was the way my home work is written. like my next problem is 36 and 9 so my answer will be 18,12,9,6,4,2,1?

Answer 18

I forgot 3 .

Answer 19

so my greatest common factor would be 3?

Answer 20

No, because 9 is a factor of 9 (and 36)

Answer 21

oh, I see I did not think I could use 9 I think I understand. let's try this again. 21 and 28 the common would be 7?

Answer 22

Yes.

Answer 23

Thank you so much for all your help.