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Find the HCF of 2³ * 3² * 5 and 2² * 3³ * 5².
22×32×5
23×33×52
22×32×52
23×32×5
22×32×5
To find HCF of numbers in prime factored form, simply pick the minimum exponent for every prime base present in both numbers.
Number 1 = 2³ * 3² * 5, Number 2 = 2² * 3³ * 5²
HCF=Product of the lowest power of each common prime factor
To find HCF of numbers in prime factored form, simply pick the minimum exponent for every prime base present in both numbers.
Confusing HCF with LCM; for LCM, one must take the highest exponent of every prime factor present, leading to the selection of larger powers.
Identify common prime factors
The prime factors present in both numbers are 2, 3, and 5.
2,3,5
Compare exponents for base 2
The exponents of 2 are 3 and 2. The smaller exponent is 2.
2min(3,2)=22
Compare exponents for base 3
The exponents of 3 are 2 and 3. The smaller exponent is 2.
3min(2,3)=32
Compare exponents for base 5
The exponents of 5 are 1 (implied in 51) and 2. The smaller exponent is 1.
5min(1,2)=51
Calculate the HCF
Multiply the factors with their lowest exponents: 22imes32imes51.
22imes32imes5
A is correct because the product of the lowest powers of common prime factors 2, 3, and 5 results in 22imes32imes5.
This concept is foundational for solving problems involving LCM/HCF of fractions and polynomials in Algebra.