Finding Greatest Common Factors
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Objective
I can find the greatest common factor of two numbers by using the factor ladder method.
Part 1 of 3
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
The greatest common factor (GCF) is the largest positive integer that divides two or more integers without leaving a remainder, and it is crucial for simplifying expressions and reducing fractions.
- 2
The factor ladder method, also known as the upside-down division method, systematically extracts common prime factors from given numbers.
- 3
To find the GCF using the factor ladder, you continuously divide by common prime factors, and the GCF is the product of all the prime factors listed on the left side of the ladder.
Part 2 of 3
Practice
5 questions
Which of the following describes the initial step in applying the factor ladder method to determine the greatest common factor of two numbers, as outlined in the reading passage?
Using the factor ladder method, find the greatest common factor of 48 and 72.
Part 3 of 3
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Using the factor ladder method, find the greatest common factor (GCF) of 72 and 108. Show all steps of your ladder.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
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