SOLUTION: find the greatest common factor for the group of terms. -42a^3,7a^4 I believe -7 is part of the answer, but not sure what to do with the variables.

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: find the greatest common factor for the group of terms. -42a^3,7a^4 I believe -7 is part of the answer, but not sure what to do with the variables.      Log On


   

Question 264438: find the greatest common factor for the group of terms.
-42a^3,7a^4
I believe -7 is part of the answer, but not sure what to do with the variables.
Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Find the GCF of -42a%5E3 and 7a%5E4.
Write the prime factors of each expression:
-42a%5E3+=+-1%2A2%2A3%2Ahighlight_green%287%2Aa%2Aa%2Aa%29
7a%5E4+=+highlight_green%287%2Aa%2Aa%2Aa%29%2Aa
Now select those factors that are common to both lists and multiply them:
7%2Aa%2Aa%2Aa+=+highlight%287a%5E3%29 = GCF