Question

Identify the GCF of 12a4b3 + 8a3b2

Answer 1

Greatest common factor is easiest to do when you simplify everything.
\[12a^4b^3=2*2*3*a^4b^3\]
\[8a^3b^2=2*2*2*a^3*b^2\]
If you take the quotient of the two, you'll find all the ones that are able to cancel will make up your GCF
\[\frac{2*2*3*a^4b^3}{2*2*2*a^3*b^2}\]
Notice how the common terms that cancel are \[2*2*a^3*b^2\]
If you write the factor out, you'll see it like this:
\[2*2*a^3*b^2(3*ab+2)\]