Answer:
Caleb’s error was :
instead of selecting the least exponent ,Caleb took the highest exponent.
Step-by-step explanation:
3x² = 3 • x • x
(in this factorization the exponent of 3 is 1 and the exponent of x is 2)
9x = 3 • 3 • x
(in this factorization the exponent of 3 is 2 and the exponent of x is 1)
• The common factors of 3x² and 9x are 3 and x
In order to determine the GCF ,we have to Compare the exponents of the common factors then take the numbers which have the least exponent value.
• in the factorization of 3x² the exponent of 3 is 1
and in the factorization of 9x the exponent of 3 is 2
The least exponent is 1 Then we take it.
• in the factorization of 3x² the exponent of x is 2
and in the factorization of 9x the exponent of x is 1
The least exponent is 1 Then we take it.
<u><em>Conclusion</em></u>:
GCF(3x² , 9x) = 3¹ × x¹ = 3x
