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The greatest common factor (gcf) of 36 and 42 is 6.

7*6 = 42. 7 is prime, and since 6 is a factor of 36, this means 6 must be the GCF. we first decompose the two numbers (36 and 42) is products of prime numbers (this decomposition is unique)

36 = 6*6 = 2*3*2*3

42 = 6*7 = 2*3*7

The numbers we see in both decomposition are 2 and 3, so the highest common factor is 2 x 3 = 6

To explain why you get an answer of 6, I will show you.

You should list the factors of 36 and then 42.

The factors of 36 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 12, 18, and 36.

The factors of 42 are 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21, and 42.

So the common factors of 36 and 42 are 1, 2, 3, and 6. So because 6 is the largest of the numbers, the GCF (Greatest common factor) of 36 and 42 would be 6.
The GCF is 6.

The greatest common factor of 36 and 42 is 6

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8y ago

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