Chapter 4: Problem 46
Find the GCF of each set of monomials. $$32 m n^{2}, 16 n, 12 n^{3}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
GCF is \(4n\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify Factors
List out the prime factors and variables for each monomial. For \(32mn^2\), the factors are \(2^5, m, n^2\).For \(16n\), the factors are \(2^4, n\).For \(12n^3\), the factors are \(2^2, 3, n^3\).
02
Find Common Factor
Identify the common factors between all the monomials. The only common prime factor among all is \(2\), and the smallest power is \(2^2\). The only common variable factor is \(n\) with the smallest power \(n^1\).
03
Calculate the GCF
Multiply the common factors together to find the GCF:\[ GCF = 2^2 imes n = 4n \].
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Monomials
Monomials are single mathematical expressions that consist of numbers, variables, or a combination of both, linked together by multiplication. They are characterized by having no addition or subtraction operators within them. A few examples of monomials include:
- \( 5x \)
- \( 3y^2z \)
- \( 7 \)
Prime Factorization
Prime factorization is the process of breaking down a number into a set of prime numbers that multiply together to create the original number. A prime number is defined as a number greater than 1 that has no divisors other than 1 and itself. For instance:
- The prime factorization of \(32\) is \(2^5\).
- The prime factorization of \(16\) is \(2^4\).
- The prime factorization of \(12\) is \(2^2 \times 3\).
Variables
Variables in monomials represent unknown values and are often denoted by letters such as \( n, m, \) or \( x \). In algebraic expressions, variables can have exponents, which indicate the number of times a variable is multiplied by itself. Consider the following examples:
- In \( n^2 \), the variable \( n \) is squared, meaning it is multiplied by itself once.
- In \( m \), the variable \( m \) is to the power of 1, meaning it appears as it is without multiplication.
Common Factors
Common factors are numbers or variables that are present in all the terms of a set of expressions. When determining the greatest common factor of a set of monomials, identifying common factors is critical. This involves a careful look at both the numerical and variable factors of each monomial. Steps to find common factors include:
- List the factors of each monomial.
- Compare and determine which factors are present in all the expressions.
- Choose the common factor with the smallest exponent in terms of both numbers and variables.