Find the greatest common factor of 8 and 12.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking to calculate the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numbers 8 and 12. We will identify the factors of both numbers and find the largest factor that they share.
Answer
$4$
Answer for screen readers
The greatest common factor (GCF) of 8 and 12 is $4$.
Steps to Solve
- Identify the factors of 8
First, we list all the factors of 8. A factor is a number that divides another number without leaving a remainder. The factors of 8 are: 1, 2, 4, 8.
- Identify the factors of 12
Next, we find the factors of 12. The factors of 12 are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12.
- List the common factors
Now, we look for the factors that both numbers have in common. From the lists:
- Factors of 8: 1, 2, 4, 8
- Factors of 12: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12
The common factors are: 1, 2, 4.
- Select the greatest common factor
Finally, we identify the largest number from the common factors. The greatest common factor (GCF) of 8 and 12 is 4.
The greatest common factor (GCF) of 8 and 12 is $4$.
More Information
The greatest common factor is useful for simplifying fractions and solving problems that involve sharing or dividing items evenly. The GCF helps in identifying the largest number that can divide both original numbers without a remainder.
Tips
A common mistake is to skip checking all the factors and assume the GCF is simply the smallest number of the two. Always ensure to list all factors fully.
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