Final answer:
To find the GCF of a given set of numbers, use the prime factorization method and identify the common prime factors with the smallest exponent.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the greatest common factor (GCF) of a given set of numbers, we can use the prime factorization method. Let's find the GCF of (48, 87, 6) as an example:
- Prime factorize each number:
- 48 = 2^4 x 3^1
- 87 = 3^1 x 29^1
- 6 = 2^1 x 3^1 - Identify the common prime factors and their smallest exponent:
- The common prime factor is 3, and the smallest exponent is 1. - Multiply the common prime factors together:
- GCF = 3^1 = 3
Therefore, the GCF of (48, 87, 6) is 3. You can apply the same method to find the GCF of (65, 52, 13).