Number Theory Tool

Common Factor Calculator - Calculate GCF & LCM with Step-by-Step Solutions

Free common factor calculator. Calculate greatest common factor, least common multiple, and common factors of numbers with step-by-step solutions. Our calculator uses number theory principles to determine all factor relationships from any given inputs.

Last updated: October 19, 2025

Multiple calculation methods
Prime factorization analysis
Euclidean algorithm

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Common Factor Calculator
Calculate greatest common factor, least common multiple, and common factors of numbers

Enter 2 or more numbers separated by commas

Common Factor Results
GCF

6

Greatest Common Factor

LCM

72

Least Common Multiple

Common Factors

4

Total common factors

Detailed Analysis

Input Numbers

121824

Common Factors

1236

Prime Factorization

12 = 2 × 2 × 3
18 = 2 × 3 × 3
24 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 3

Factor Pairs

12: (1, 12), (2, 6), (3, 4)
18: (1, 18), (2, 9), (3, 6)
24: (1, 24), (2, 12), (3, 8), (4, 6)
Calculation Steps
Step-by-step breakdown of the calculation process
1

Input numbers: 12, 18, 24

2

Prime factors: 12 = 2 × 2 × 3, 18 = 2 × 3 × 3, 24 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 3

3

All factors: 12: [1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12], 18: [1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18], 24: [1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24]

4

Common factors: [1, 2, 3, 6]

5

Greatest Common Factor (GCF): 6

6

Least Common Multiple (LCM): 72

Methods Used
The mathematical methods applied in the calculations

Factor Listing

List all factors and find common ones

Prime Factorization

Factor each number into primes and find common factors

Euclidean Algorithm

Use Euclidean algorithm for efficient calculation

Key Relationships:

  • • GCF is the largest number that divides all given numbers
  • • LCM is the smallest number that is a multiple of all given numbers
  • • GCF × LCM = Product of the two numbers (for two numbers)
  • • Common factors are all numbers that divide all given numbers

Common Factor Calculator Types & Features

Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
Find the largest number that divides all given numbers

Method used

Euclidean Algorithm

Efficiently finds the largest common divisor

Least Common Multiple (LCM)
Find the smallest number that is a multiple of all given numbers

Formula used

LCM = (a × b) / GCF(a, b)

Uses GCF relationship for efficient calculation

Common Factors
List all numbers that divide all given numbers

Method used

Factor Listing

Lists all common divisors

Prime Factorization
Break down numbers into their prime factors

Method used

Trial Division

Systematic prime factorization

Factor Pairs
Find all pairs of numbers that multiply to give the original number

Method used

Systematic Search

Finds all factor combinations

Number Theory Analysis
Complete mathematical analysis of number relationships

Features

Comprehensive Analysis

Complete number theory calculations

Quick Example Result

For numbers 12, 18, 24:

GCF

6

LCM

72

Common Factors

4

How Our Common Factor Calculator Works

Our common factor calculator uses the fundamental principles of number theory to calculate all factor relationships from any given inputs. The calculation applies mathematical algorithms and number theory to determine GCF, LCM, and common factors.

The Fundamental Number Theory Formulas

GCF(a,b) = GCF(b, a mod b)
LCM(a,b) = (a × b) / GCF(a,b)
Common Factors = ∩(Factors of each number)
Prime Factors = Trial Division

These formulas form the foundation of number theory analysis and allow calculation of all factor relationships from any combination of known values. They apply to both small and large numbers efficiently.

🔢 Number Theory Diagram

Shows the relationships between GCF, LCM, and common factors

Mathematical Foundation

Common factors are fundamental concepts in number theory that describe the relationships between numbers. They are essential for understanding divisibility, fractions, and many mathematical applications in algebra, geometry, and advanced mathematics.

  • GCF is the largest number that divides all given numbers
  • LCM is the smallest number that is a multiple of all given numbers
  • Common factors are all numbers that divide all given numbers
  • Prime factorization breaks numbers into prime components
  • Euclidean algorithm efficiently finds GCF
  • Factor pairs show all multiplication combinations

Sources & References

  • Elementary Number Theory - David M. BurtonComprehensive introduction to number theory and factor analysis
  • Introduction to the Theory of Numbers - Niven, Zuckerman, MontgomeryAdvanced number theory concepts and algorithms
  • Khan Academy - Number Theory and FactorsEducational resources for understanding number theory

Need help with other number theory calculations? Check out our GCF calculator and LCM calculator.

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Common Factor Calculator Examples

Common Factor Calculator Example
Calculate GCF, LCM, and common factors of 12, 18, 24

Given Information:

  • Numbers: 12, 18, 24
  • Method: Euclidean Algorithm
  • Analysis: Complete factor analysis
  • Output: GCF, LCM, common factors

Calculation Steps:

  1. Prime factors: 12 = 2² × 3, 18 = 2 × 3², 24 = 2³ × 3
  2. Common prime factors: 2 × 3 = 6
  3. GCF = 6 (largest common divisor)
  4. LCM = 72 (smallest common multiple)

Result: GCF = 6, LCM = 72, Common Factors = [1, 2, 3, 6]

The numbers 12, 18, and 24 have a greatest common factor of 6 and least common multiple of 72.

Two Numbers Example

Numbers: 15, 25

GCF = 5, LCM = 75

Prime Numbers Example

Numbers: 7, 11, 13

GCF = 1, LCM = 1001

Frequently Asked Questions

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