Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

Definition

The greatest common factor (GCF) is the largest positive integer that divides two or more integers without a remainder. It is an important concept in the factorization of polynomials, as identifying the GCF can simplify the factorization process and reveal the structure of the polynomial.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The GCF of two or more integers can be found by first finding the prime factorization of each integer, then selecting the common prime factors and multiplying them together.
2. Identifying the GCF is a crucial step in the general strategy for factoring polynomials, as it allows you to factor out the common factor and simplify the remaining expression.
3. The GCF can be used to simplify fractions by dividing the numerator and denominator by their GCF, resulting in the simplest form of the fraction.
4. When factoring a polynomial, the GCF is often the first factor that is identified, and it is then used to factor the remaining terms.
5. The GCF can be used to solve systems of linear equations by eliminating the common factor from the equations, making the system easier to solve.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the greatest common factor (GCF) in the factorization of polynomials.
  • The GCF plays a crucial role in the factorization of polynomials. By identifying the GCF of the polynomial's terms, you can factor out the common factor, simplifying the expression and revealing the underlying structure of the polynomial. This step is often the first and most important step in the general strategy for factoring polynomials, as it allows you to break down the polynomial into smaller, more manageable parts that can then be factored further.
• Describe how the GCF can be used to simplify fractions.
  • The GCF can be used to simplify fractions by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCF. This process reduces the fraction to its simplest form, with the numerator and denominator having no common factors other than 1. Simplifying fractions in this way is important in many mathematical contexts, as it makes the fractions easier to work with and compare to other fractions.
• Analyze how the GCF can be used to solve systems of linear equations.
  • The GCF can be used to simplify systems of linear equations by eliminating the common factor from the equations. This process involves dividing both sides of each equation by the GCF of the coefficients, which reduces the complexity of the system and makes it easier to solve. By using the GCF to simplify the system, you can often find the solution more efficiently and with greater accuracy, as the reduced equations are less prone to rounding errors or other numerical issues.

Related terms

Factorization: The process of expressing a polynomial or integer as a product of its factors.

Prime Factorization: The process of expressing an integer as a product of its prime factors.

Divisibility: The property of one number being evenly divisible by another number without a remainder.