What is the least common factor of 36 and 45?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the least common factor shared by the numbers 36 and 45. To find this, we need to identify their common factors and determine which one is the smallest.
Answer
The least common factor is $1$.
Answer for screen readers
The least common factor shared by 36 and 45 is $1$.
Steps to Solve
- List the factors of each number
Start by identifying the factors of the two numbers:
-
For 36, the factors are:
$1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 36$ -
For 45, the factors are:
$1, 3, 5, 9, 15, 45$
- Identify the common factors
Next, determine which factors are shared by both numbers. The common factors of 36 and 45 are:
$1, 3, 9$
- Find the least common factor
Finally, among the common factors, identify the smallest one. The least common factor is:
$1$
The least common factor shared by 36 and 45 is $1$.
More Information
The least common factor is the smallest factor that two or more numbers share. In this case, since $1$ is a factor of all integers, it is the least common factor of any two numbers.
Tips
- Confusing factors with multiples: Remember, factors divide the number without leaving a remainder, while multiples are produced by multiplying the number by integers.
- Neglecting to list all factors: Ensure all factors are identified accurately before determining the common ones.
