What is the GCF of 6 and 16?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numbers 6 and 16. To solve this, we will find the factors of both numbers and determine the largest factor they share.
Answer
$2$
Answer for screen readers
The greatest common factor (GCF) of 6 and 16 is $2$.
Steps to Solve
- Identify the factors of each number
First, we need to list out the factors of both numbers.
- The factors of 6 are: 1, 2, 3, 6.
- The factors of 16 are: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16.
- Find the common factors
Next, we find which factors are common to both lists.
- Common factors of 6 and 16 are: 1, 2.
- Determine the greatest common factor (GCF)
From the common factors, we select the largest one.
- The largest common factor is 2.
The greatest common factor (GCF) of 6 and 16 is $2$.
More Information
The greatest common factor is the largest number that evenly divides two or more numbers. In this case, 2 is the largest number that can divide both 6 and 16 without leaving a remainder. Knowing how to find the GCF is useful in simplifying fractions and solving problems involving ratios.
Tips
- Confusing GCF with least common multiple (LCM). GCF finds the largest shared factor, while LCM finds the smallest shared multiple.
- Not listing all factors completely, which can lead to missing the GCF.
