Question

WHAT IS THE GREATEST common factor of 72 and 18

Answer 1

Using Long Division
72/18
As 18×4=72
This means when 72 is divided by 18 the remainder is zero. Hence HCF is 18

Answer 2

Answer:

The greatest common factor of 72 and 18 = 18

Step-by-step explanation:

To find,

The greatest common factor of 72 and 18

Solution:

The prime factorization of 72 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 3

= 2³ × 3²

The prime factorization of 18 = 2 × 3 × 3 =  2× 3²

The highest exponent of 2 which divides both 72 and 18 is 2

The highest exponent of 3 which divides both 72 and 18 is 3²

Hence the highest common factor of 72 and  2× 3²

Alternatively,

Since 72 is a multiple of 18, the highest common factor of 18 and 72 is 18

∴ The greatest common factor of 72 and 18 = 18

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