What is the GCF of 15 and 50?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numbers 15 and 50. To find the GCF, we need to determine the factors of each number and identify the largest factor they have in common.
Answer
5
Answer for screen readers
The greatest common factor (GCF) of 15 and 50 is 5.
Steps to Solve
- Find the factors of 15
To find the factors of 15, we look for all whole numbers that can multiply together to give 15. The factors of 15 are:
1, 3, 5, 15
- Find the factors of 50
Now we will find the factors of 50 in the same way. The factors of 50 are:
1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50
- Identify common factors
Next, we compare the two lists of factors to see which factors are common. The common factors of 15 and 50 are:
1, 5
- Determine the greatest common factor
Finally, we find the largest number among the common factors. The GCF is:
5
The greatest common factor (GCF) of 15 and 50 is 5.
More Information
The greatest common factor is useful in simplifying fractions and finding common denominators. It can also help in determining optimal groupings of items that have shared characteristics, like dividing a number of items into equal groups.
Tips
- Forgetting to list all factors correctly. It's important to double-check the factors for both numbers.
- Confusing the GCF with the least common multiple (LCM). Make sure to distinguish between finding the largest shared factor versus the smallest shared multiple.
AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information