Math Problem Statement

Two numbers, A and B, are written as a product of prime factors. A = 2^2 * 3^3 * 5^2, B = 2 * 3^2 * 5 * 7. Find the highest common factor (HCF) of A and B.

Solution

We are tasked with finding the highest common factor (HCF) of two numbers, AA and BB, which are expressed as products of their prime factors.

From the image, the prime factorizations are given as:

A=22×33×52A = 2^2 \times 3^3 \times 5^2 B=2×32×5×7B = 2 \times 3^2 \times 5 \times 7

Step-by-Step Calculation:

To find the HCF of two numbers, we take the lowest powers of all the common prime factors.

  1. Factor 2:

    • In AA, the power of 2 is 222^2.
    • In BB, the power of 2 is 212^1.
    • The lowest power is 212^1.
  2. Factor 3:

    • In AA, the power of 3 is 333^3.
    • In BB, the power of 3 is 323^2.
    • The lowest power is 323^2.
  3. Factor 5:

    • In AA, the power of 5 is 525^2.
    • In BB, the power of 5 is 515^1.
    • The lowest power is 515^1.
  4. Factor 7:

    • 77 appears only in BB, so it does not contribute to the HCF.

Putting it together:

The HCF is the product of the lowest powers of the common prime factors:

HCF=21×32×51=2×9×5=90HCF = 2^1 \times 3^2 \times 5^1 = 2 \times 9 \times 5 = 90

Thus, the highest common factor (HCF) of AA and BB is 90\boxed{90}.


Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to extend your understanding:

  1. How do you find the least common multiple (LCM) using prime factorization?
  2. What is the significance of prime factorization in number theory?
  3. Can you explain how to find the HCF of more than two numbers?
  4. Why is the HCF always a divisor of both numbers?
  5. How can the HCF be used in simplifying fractions?

Tip: When finding the HCF, always focus on the common prime factors and choose the lowest power among them.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Number Theory
Prime Factorization
Highest Common Factor (HCF)

Formulas

HCF is found by taking the lowest power of all common prime factors

Theorems

HCF of two numbers is found by taking the common prime factors with the lowest power

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8