What is the greatest common factor (GCF) of 12 and 16?

Study for the Praxis Elementary Education Mathmatics test (5003). Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question provides hints and detailed explanations to prepare you to excel on exam day!

Multiple Choice

What is the greatest common factor (GCF) of 12 and 16?

To determine the greatest common factor (GCF) of 12 and 16, we begin by identifying the factors of each number. The factors of 12 are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. The factors of 16 are: 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16. Next, we identify the common factors by finding the numbers that appear in both lists. The common factors of 12 and 16 are 1, 2, and 4. Among these common factors, the greatest one is 4. Therefore, the GCF of 12 and 16 is 4, making it the largest number that divides both 12 and 16 without leaving a remainder. This is why the correct answer is 4. Understanding how to break down numbers into their factors is crucial for finding the GCF, and recognizing that it's the highest of the shared factors solidifies the concept.

To determine the greatest common factor (GCF) of 12 and 16, we begin by identifying the factors of each number.

The factors of 12 are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12.

The factors of 16 are: 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16.

Next, we identify the common factors by finding the numbers that appear in both lists. The common factors of 12 and 16 are 1, 2, and 4. Among these common factors, the greatest one is 4.

Therefore, the GCF of 12 and 16 is 4, making it the largest number that divides both 12 and 16 without leaving a remainder. This is why the correct answer is 4. Understanding how to break down numbers into their factors is crucial for finding the GCF, and recognizing that it's the highest of the shared factors solidifies the concept.

More practice questions