HCF and LCM are two of the least understood topics among the students. What make them even more daunting are the numerous cases in which the questions are put. Here is my attempt to explain this concept as I have done to my son. Let us first understand HCF.
HCF - Highest Common Factor
What is Factor of a Number
Factor of a number is a divisor of a number which leaves a remainder of zero upon division (divides exactly). For example 3 is a factor of 15 because it divides 15 exactly. Similarly 5 is a factor of 15. Now a number can have many factors. eg 30 has many factors 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 15.
Common Factor
Common factor of two or more numbers is a number which divides each of them exactly. Thus 3 is a common factor of 18 and 24.
Highest Common Factor ( HCF)
HCF of two or more numbers is the greatest number which divides each of them exactly. Eg 3 is a common factor or 18 and 24- However, it is not the greatest number that divides each of them exactly. The greatest number is 6.
HCF - Highest Common Factor
What is Factor of a Number
Factor of a number is a divisor of a number which leaves a remainder of zero upon division (divides exactly). For example 3 is a factor of 15 because it divides 15 exactly. Similarly 5 is a factor of 15. Now a number can have many factors. eg 30 has many factors 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 15.
Common Factor
Common factor of two or more numbers is a number which divides each of them exactly. Thus 3 is a common factor of 18 and 24.
Highest Common Factor ( HCF)
HCF of two or more numbers is the greatest number which divides each of them exactly. Eg 3 is a common factor or 18 and 24- However, it is not the greatest number that divides each of them exactly. The greatest number is 6.
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