Thinking Mathematically (6th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321867327
ISBN 13: 978-0-32186-732-2

Chapter 5 - Number Theory and the Real Number System - 5.1 Number Theory: Prime and Composite Numbers - Exercise Set 5.1 - Page 256: 51

Answer

The greatest common divisor of the two numbers is $24$.

Work Step by Step

Factor each number completely to have: $72=6(12)=2(3)(2)(2)(3) \\120=12(10)=2(2)(3)(2)(5)$ Thus, the greatest common divisor of the two numbers is $2(2)(2)(3)=24$.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.