Chapter 7, Problem 363RE

In the following exercises, find the greatest common factor.

363. 42, 60

To determine

To find the greatest common factor of given two numbers.

Answer to Problem 363RE

  $6$.

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

Two numbers are given as $42$ and $60$.

Calculation:

To find the greatest common factor of given two numbers $42$ and $60$ using prime factor method, first we will write down each number as product of prime factors. Then the product of all common prime factor will be the greatest common factor (GCF).

Writing number $42$ as product of prime factors:

  $42=2\times 3\times 7$

Writing number $60$ as product of prime factors:

  $60=2\times 2\times 3\times 5$

  $\frac{\begin{array}{l}42=2\times 3\times 7\\ 60=2\times 2\times 3\times 5\end{array}}{GCF=2\times 3=6}$

Hence, we can say that GCF of $42$ and $60$ will be $6$.