document.write( "Question 38159: What is the greatest common factor for each of the following groups of numbers:\r
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Algebra.Com's Answer #23641 by AnlytcPhil(1806)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
What is the greatest common factor for each of the following \r\n" );
document.write( "groups of numbers: \r\n" );
document.write( "36, 72 and 144\r\n" );
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document.write( "Break each down into a product of prime factors:\r\n" );
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document.write( "36 = 4·9 = 2·2·3·3 \r\n" );
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document.write( "72 = 8·9 = 2·4·3·3 = 2·2·2·3·3\r\n" );
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document.write( "144 = 16·9 = 4·4·3·3 = 2·2·2·2·3·3\r\n" );
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document.write( " 36 has 2 factors of 2 and 2 factors of 3\r\n" );
document.write( " 72 has 3 factors of 2 and 2 factors of 3\r\n" );
document.write( "144 has 4 factors of 2 and 2 factors of 3 \r\n" );
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document.write( "To find the GREATEST COMMON FACTOR, use the LEAST number of \r\n" );
document.write( "each factor that is common to all.\r\n" );
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document.write( "The factor 2 is common to all, and the least number of 2's is 2,\r\n" );
document.write( "so use 2 2's\r\n" );
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document.write( "The factor 3 is common to all, and the least number of 3's is 2,\r\n" );
document.write( "so use 2 3's\r\n" );
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document.write( "So the GCF has 2 2's and 2 3's or\r\n" );
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document.write( "2·2·3·3 = 36\r\n" );
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document.write( "GCF = 36\r\n" );
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document.write( "Edwin\r\n" );
document.write( "AnlytcPhil@aol.com
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