Find the HCF of Algebraic Expressions

This activity is about finding the Highest Common Factor (HCF) of two algebraic expressions.

Example 1

Find the HCF of 3p²qr³ and 6pq³r²

Answer

Take each term in turn.

HCF of 3 and 6 is 3.
HCF of p² and p is p.
HCF of q and q³ is q.
HCF of r³ and r² is r².

So, the required HCF is 3pqr².

Example 2

Find the HCF of 4y(y - 7)(7y + 4) and (y - 7)²(7y + 4)

Answer

The highest terms common to both are (y - 7) and (7y + 4).

So the HCF is (y - 7)(7y + 4)

Let's have a go at some questions.