Question

What is the common monomial factor of the expression 16m^2n^2 − 12mn^5?

Answer 1

`4mn^(2)` is their common factor.

Explanation:

It is the common factor of both as it is a number they are both easily divisible by.

Answer 2

4mn^2

Explanation:

You want the common factor of the terms in 16m^2n^2 -12mn^5.

Factors

The terms can be factored as ...

16m^2n^2 = (4)(4)(m)(m)(n^2)

-12 mn^5 = (-3)(4)(m)(n^2)(n^3)

The factors that are in both lists are ...

(4)(m)(n^2)

The common monomial factor of the expression is 4mn^2.

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Additional comment

Factoring out that common factor gives ...

= 4mn^2(4m -3n^3)