Math Is Fun Forum

nycguitarguy

Member

Registered: 2024-02-24

Posts: 491

GCF Involving Variables

For each example, find the GCF.

Sample A

-18y^2, -63y^3, 27y^4

So, the biggest number that evenly divides -18, -63 and 27 is 9.
The biggest variable term that evenly divides y^2, y^3 and y^4 is y^2.

The GCF is 9y^2.

You say?

Sample B

4x^2, x^3, 3x^6

Let me see. I say that 1 is the only coefficient in this example that evenly divides 1, 3, and 4.

With respect to the variables, x^2 evenly divides into x^2, x^3, and x^6.

The GCF is 1•x^2 or simply x^2.
You say?

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,167

Re: GCF Involving Variables

Yes for both.

Bob

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Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
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nycguitarguy

Member

Registered: 2024-02-24

Posts: 491

Re: GCF Involving Variables

Yes for both.

Bob

It certainly feels good to know that I am right this time around. Math helps keep my brain cells alive. No pun intended.