Example: 30 and 42
Factor them.
2 x 3 x 5 = 30
2 x 3 x 7 = 42
Select the common factors.
2 x 3 = 6, the GCF
Combine the factors, eliminating duplicates.
2 x 3 x 5 x 7 = 210, the LCM
Check it.
30 x 42 = 1260
210 x 6 = 1260
It checks.
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To solve Highest Common Factor (HCF) and Lowest Common Multiple (LCM) problems using prime factorization, first, list the prime factors of each number. Then, identify the common factors to find the HCF by multiplying these common factors together. To find the LCM, multiply all the prime factors, including the common factors and the remaining factors from both numbers. This method is efficient as it breaks down the numbers into their prime components, making it easier to identify the factors they share and those they don't.
As a product of its prime factors: 2*5*7 = 70 Note that at least two or more numbers are needed to find their HCF
In finding the LCM or HCF of two or more numbers
The Highest Common Factor (HCF) of two numbers is the largest positive integer that divides both numbers without leaving a remainder. To find the HCF of 210 and 504, you can use the Euclidean algorithm or prime factorization method. In this case, the prime factorization of 210 is 2 x 3 x 5 x 7, and the prime factorization of 504 is 2^3 x 3^2 x 7. To find the HCF, you take the common prime factors with the lowest exponents, which are 2 x 3 x 7 = 42. Therefore, the HCF of 210 and 504 is 42.
do the prime factorization of the 3 numbers. list the prime factors of all the 3 numbers. circle the factors that are common to the 3. multiply them. that number is the HCF
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