What is the greatest common factor (GCF) of 24 and 36?

To determine the greatest common factor (GCF) of 24 and 36, we first need to find the factors of each number and then identify the largest one they have in common.

The factors of 24 are:

1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24

The factors of 36 are:

1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 36

Next, we identify the common factors from both sets:

1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12

Among these common factors, the largest is 12. Therefore, the greatest common factor of 24 and 36 is 12.

This answer is appropriate because the GCF is defined as the largest factor that two numbers share, and in this case, 12 is indeed the largest value found in both factor sets. Other options like 6 and 18, while factors of either 24 or 36, do not represent the greatest common factor, and 36 does not share any values with 24. Thus, choosing 12 as the GCF aligns perfectly with the definition and requirements for finding