In Arithmetic

How to find the GCF by factoring

Find the GCF of 18 and 24

First write the prime factorization of each number

18=2*3*3

22=2*2*2*3

Then multiply both factors that are common to both 18 and 24

GCF=2*3=6

In Algebra

Find the GCF of 10r³s and 15r²s²

First write the algebraic factorization of each expression

10r³s=2*5*r*r*r*s

15r²s²=3*5*r*r*s*s

Then multiply the prime factors that are common to both 10r3s and 15r²s²

GCF=5*r*r*s=5r²s