Do a prime factorization of the two numbers. Use condensed (power) notation for each prime factor. Example N1=(2^5)*(3^4)*(7^2)(11^3) N2=(2^4)*(5^6)*(11) 2 is a factor in N1 and N2, the smallest power of 2 is 4, thus 2^4 is common to N1, and N1. You could write 2^5=2*2^4 11 is a factor in N1, and N2, the smallest exponent of 11 is 1, thus 11 is a common factor of N1 and N2. Highest common factor of N1 and N2 is (2^4)*11
Answers & Comments
Do a prime factorization of the two numbers. Use condensed (power) notation for each prime factor.
Example
N1=(2^5)*(3^4)*(7^2)(11^3)
N2=(2^4)*(5^6)*(11)
2 is a factor in N1 and N2, the smallest power of 2 is 4, thus 2^4 is common to N1, and N1. You could write 2^5=2*2^4
11 is a factor in N1, and N2, the smallest exponent of 11 is 1, thus 11 is a common factor of N1 and N2.
Highest common factor of N1 and N2 is (2^4)*11