What is the GCF of 72 and 18?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numbers 72 and 18. To solve this, we will find the factors of both numbers and identify the largest factor they share.
Answer
The greatest common factor (GCF) of 72 and 18 is $18$.
Answer for screen readers
The greatest common factor (GCF) of 72 and 18 is $18$.
Steps to Solve
- List the factors of each number
First, we need to find the factors of both 72 and 18.
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The factors of 72 are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 72
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The factors of 18 are: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18
- Identify the common factors
Next, we identify the factors that both numbers share.
The common factors of 72 and 18 are: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18
- Find the greatest common factor
Now, we look for the largest factor from the common factors list.
The greatest common factor of 72 and 18 is: 18
The greatest common factor (GCF) of 72 and 18 is $18$.
More Information
The greatest common factor represents the largest number that divides both numbers without leaving a remainder. The GCF can be useful in simplifying fractions and finding common denominators.
Tips
- Not listing all factors: Ensure to list all factors correctly.
- Confusing GCF with LCM: Remember that GCF is the greatest common factor, while LCM is the least common multiple.
