What do you call the factors that two numbers have in common?

Prepare for the ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning Test with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Understand problem-solving techniques and get insights into question patterns. Be confident on exam day!

Multiple Choice

What do you call the factors that two numbers have in common?

Explanation:
The correct choice is the Greatest Common Factor, which refers to the largest positive integer that divides two or more integers without leaving a remainder. When you're looking for common factors of two numbers, the goal is to list all the factors of both numbers and then identify which factors they share. The largest of these shared factors is defined as the greatest common factor. For example, if you consider the numbers 12 and 18, their factors are: - 12: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12 - 18: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18 The common factors here are 1, 2, 3, and 6, with 6 being the greatest. This concept is essential in various mathematical applications, including simplification of fractions and problem-solving in number theory. The other terms mentioned represent different mathematical concepts. The product refers to the result of multiplying two numbers, the sum represents the result of adding two numbers, and the lowest common multiple is the smallest multiple that is evenly divisible by both numbers. Each of these serves a different purpose in mathematics and is not synonymous with common factors.

The correct choice is the Greatest Common Factor, which refers to the largest positive integer that divides two or more integers without leaving a remainder. When you're looking for common factors of two numbers, the goal is to list all the factors of both numbers and then identify which factors they share. The largest of these shared factors is defined as the greatest common factor.

For example, if you consider the numbers 12 and 18, their factors are:

  • 12: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12

  • 18: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18

The common factors here are 1, 2, 3, and 6, with 6 being the greatest. This concept is essential in various mathematical applications, including simplification of fractions and problem-solving in number theory.

The other terms mentioned represent different mathematical concepts. The product refers to the result of multiplying two numbers, the sum represents the result of adding two numbers, and the lowest common multiple is the smallest multiple that is evenly divisible by both numbers. Each of these serves a different purpose in mathematics and is not synonymous with common factors.

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