Question

how do you factor out a GCF

Answer 1

type any two numbers for example and lets see :P

Answer 2

12 and 36

Answer 3

ok write them as prime factors

12 = 2*2*3
36 = 2*2*3*3

what factors are common to both expansions?

Answer 4

2*2*3 right?

Answer 5

yeah

Answer 6

so thats your GCF 12

Answer 7

this is the general way of finding the GCF
theres no need to do it in this case as its obvious that the greatest number which will divide into 12 and 36 is 12

Answer 8

The greatest common factor in your case is 12.

Answer 9

Because 12 is both divisible by 12 and 36.

Answer 10

oh, that makes sense. but what if you have a more complex set of numbers, lets say...2 times 6 and 3 times 4, or if you have more numbers and they all factor differently?

Answer 11

try a more complicated one

GCF of 45 and 54

Answer 12

what are the prime factors of 45 and 54?