๐ Topic Summary
The Greatest Common Factor (GCF) is the largest number that divides two or more numbers without leaving a remainder. Finding the GCF is useful in simplifying fractions and solving various math problems. To find the GCF, you can list the factors of each number and identify the largest factor they have in common, or you can use prime factorization.
Let's say you want to find the GCF of 12 and 18. The factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. The factors of 18 are 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 18. The common factors are 1, 2, 3, and 6. The greatest of these common factors is 6. Therefore, the GCF of 12 and 18 is 6.
๐ค Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with its definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Factor |
a. The largest number that divides evenly into two or more numbers. |
| 2. Multiple |
b. A number that is the product of a given number and any integer. |
| 3. Prime Number |
c. A number that divides evenly into another number. |
| 4. Composite Number |
d. A number greater than 1 that has more than two factors. |
| 5. Greatest Common Factor |
e. A number greater than 1 that has only two factors: 1 and itself. |
โ๏ธ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct words.
The GCF of two numbers is the ______ factor that both numbers share. One way to find the GCF is by listing all the ______ of each number and finding the largest one they have in ______. Another method involves using prime ______. Understanding the GCF is important for simplifying ______ and solving problems involving ratios.
๐ค Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain in your own words why finding the GCF is helpful in real-life situations. Provide an example.