Question

find the greatest common factor of the following terms. $a^{7}b^{3}, -a^{5}b^{7}$

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze coefficients and variables

For the coefficients, the non - zero coefficients are 1 and - 1, and the greatest common factor of 1 and - 1 is 1. For the variable \(a\), in \(a^{7}b^{3}\) and \(-a^{5}b^{7}\), the lowest power of \(a\) is \(a^{5}\). For the variable \(b\), the lowest power of \(b\) is \(b^{3}\).

Step2: Combine common factors

The GCF is the product of the common factors of the coefficients and variables, which is \(a^{5}b^{3}\).

Answer:

\(a^{5}b^{3}\)