What goes into 12 and 44?

Answer 1

Assume this problem deals with multiples of the numbers. The objective is vague, but I'm pretty sure of what is asked here.

If we want to find the gcd of these terms, factor out each term and select the prime factor with the least exponent. Finally, evaluate the product of all prime factors. For instance:

12 = 3 x 2²

= 2² x 30 x 110

44 = 11 x 2²

= 2² x 30 x 11

• 2² has the least exponent for prime factor 2 of all these factorizations.
• 30 has the least exponent for prime factor 3.
• 110 has the least exponent for prime factor 11.
• The rest of other "invisible" prime factors, like 5 and 7, have the least exponent, which is 0!

Therefore, the gcd is 2² = 4!