Question

find the greatest common factor of these 12w³, 8w⁵, and 20w²

Explanation:

Step1: Find GCF of coefficients

Factor 12, 8, 20:
$12 = 2^2 \times 3$, $8 = 2^3$, $20 = 2^2 \times 5$.
GCF of 12, 8, 20 is $2^2 = 4$.

Step2: Find GCF of variables

For $w^3$, $w^5$, $w^2$, take the lowest exponent: $w^2$.

Step3: Combine results

Multiply GCF of coefficients and variables: $4 \times w^2 = 4w^2$.

Answer:

$4w^2$