7th Grade · Expressions & Equations
Greatest Common Factor
7.EE.A.1
Definition
The largest factor shared by two or more numbers or terms. Used to simplify fractions and factor algebraic expressions.
Examples
- GCF of 12 and 18 is 6 (common factors: 1, 2, 3, 6).
- GCF of 4x and 6x² is 2x, so 4x + 6x² = 2x(2 + 3x).
Key rule
GCF is used to factor expressions — pull it out.
Memory hook
The biggest number that divides them all.