Oh honey, no. The Greatest Common Factor (GCF) of two numbers is the largest number that divides both of them evenly. It's not just the lesser of the two numbers, it's the biggest number that can play nice with both of them. So, don't sell the GCF short, it's got a big job to do.
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No, the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) of two numbers is not necessarily equal to the lesser of the two numbers. The GCF is the largest positive integer that divides both numbers without leaving a remainder. It is possible for the GCF to be equal to the lesser number if the lesser number is a factor of the greater number, but this is not always the case.
Only if that number is a factor of the other one.
The LCM will never be less than the GCF. To be a multiple of both numbers, the LCM will have to be equal to or greater than the larger number. To be a factor of both numbers, the GCF will have to be equal to or less than the smaller number. The only problem comes when you're comparing a number to itself. The LCM of 10 and 10 is 10. The GCF of 10 and 10 is 10.
If one of the numbers is a multiple of the other, the smaller number is the GCF. If the two numbers are prime numbers, the GCF is 1. If the numbers are consecutive, the GCF is 1. If the numbers are consecutive even numbers, the GCF is 2.
To find a pair of numbers with a given GCF, take the GCF number and double it. The pair of numbers is the GCF, and two times the GCF. For instance, two numbers with a GCF of 3 are 3 and 6.
Two numbers have a GCF. Two sets of two numbers may have the same GCF.
You need at least two numbers to find a GCF.