In GCSE Maths, a "Common Factor" refers to a number that is a factor of two or more given numbers. A factor is a whole number that divides another number exactly without leaving a remainder.
For example, if you are looking for the common factors of 12 and 16:
The factors of 12 are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12.
The factors of 16 are: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16.
The common factors are the numbers found in both lists: 1, 2, and 4.
Identifying common factors is a key skill in solving problems involving fractions, ratios, and algebraic expressions.
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