How Do You Find the Greatest Common Factor of Monomials?

How Do You Find the Greatest Common Factor of Monomials?

Note:

To find the greatest common factor (GCF) between monomials, take each monomial and write it's prime factorization. Then, identify the factors common to each monomial and multiply those common factors together. Bam! The GCF! To see an example worked out, check out this tutorial!

Keywords:

  • problem
  • greatest common factor
  • gcf
  • monomials
  • variables
  • prime factorization
  • factor
  • factorization
  • prime
  • prime factor
  • polynomial
  • common factor
  • factored form

Background Tutorials

  • Monomials

      • What's a Monomial?What's a Monomial?

      What's a Monomial?

      If you learn about algebra, then you'll see monomials everywhere! Watch this tutorial and learn what makes a monomial, and what does not.

  • Factors

      • What's a Factor?What's a Factor?

      What's a Factor?

      Factors are a fundamental part of algebra, so it would be a great idea to know all about them. This tutorial can help! Take a look!

Further Exploration

  • Solving Polynomial Equations

      • How Do You Use a Solve a Polynomial Equation With Two Variables?How Do You Use a Solve a Polynomial Equation With Two Variables?

      How Do You Use a Solve a Polynomial Equation With Two Variables?

      Got an equation with polynomials involving multiple variables on both sides? You can factor out the greatest common factor, then factor by grouping, and then use the zero-product property to solve. Follow along with this tutorial to see a step-by-step explanation!

  • Factoring by Grouping and Choosing a Factoring Strategy

      • How Do You Factor a 4-Term Polynomial by Grouping?How Do You Factor a 4-Term Polynomial by Grouping?

      How Do You Factor a 4-Term Polynomial by Grouping?

      Factoring by grouping is one way to factor a polynomial. This tutorial shows you how to take a polynomial and factor it into the product of two binomials. Then, check your answer by FOILing the binomials back together!

  • Simplifying Rational Expressions