Question

what is the greatest common factor of 18 and 3?

Explanation:

Step1: Find factors of 18

The factors of 18 are the numbers that divide 18 without leaving a remainder. So, \(18 \div 1 = 18\), \(18 \div 2 = 9\), \(18 \div 3 = 6\), \(18 \div 6 = 3\), \(18 \div 9 = 2\), \(18 \div 18 = 1\). Thus, the factors of 18 are \(1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18\).

Step2: Find factors of 3

The factors of 3 are the numbers that divide 3 without leaving a remainder. So, \(3 \div 1 = 3\), \(3 \div 3 = 1\). Thus, the factors of 3 are \(1, 3\).

Step3: Identify common factors

The common factors of 18 and 3 are the numbers that appear in both lists of factors. From the factors of 18 (\(1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18\)) and factors of 3 (\(1, 3\)), the common factors are \(1\) and \(3\).

Step4: Determine the greatest common factor

Among the common factors \(1\) and \(3\), the greatest one is \(3\).

Answer:

3