GCF of 12

To find the greatest common factor (GCF) of 12, we'll use a method called prime factorization.

Step 1: Start by finding the prime factorization of 12.
To do this, divide 12 by the smallest prime number, which is 2:
12 ÷ 2 = 6

Continue dividing the quotient by 2 until you can't divide anymore:
6 ÷ 2 = 3

Since 3 is a prime number, the prime factorization of 12 is 2 × 2 × 3, or simply 2² × 3.

Step 2: Determine the factors.
Now that we have the prime factorization of 12, we can determine the factors by combining the prime factors in different ways.

The factors of 12 are:
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12.

Step 3: Find the GCF.
The GCF is the largest factor that both 12 and another number share. In this case, since 12 is the number in question, the GCF of 12 is 12 itself.

Therefore, the GCF of 12 is 12.