Answer
12 (5 - 3)
Step-by-step explanation:
The greatest common factor is the largest number that will divide both numbers evenly. As an example, 6 is a common factor because it divides both 60 and 36. However, it is not the greatest common factor.
If I break 60 into it's prime factors, I would get 2 * 2 * 3 * 5.
If I break 36 into it's prime factors, I would get 2 * 2 * 3 * 3.
The two number have the factors, 2, 2, and 3 in common.
The greatest common factor is then: 2 * 2 * 3, or 12.
The expression can be factored as: 12 ( 5 - 3)