You can divide both 4 and 8 by a common factor of \( \square \)

Both **4** and **8** share several common factors. A **common factor** is a number that divides two or more numbers without leaving a remainder. To find a common factor for 4 and 8, you can list the factors of each number and identify the numbers that appear in both lists. ### Factors of 4: - 1 - 2 - 4 ### Factors of 8: - 1 - 2 - 4 - 8 ### Common Factors of 4 and 8: - **1** - **2** - **4** So, you can divide both 4 and 8 by **1**, **2**, or **4**. **Example:** Let's choose **2** as the common factor. - Dividing 4 by 2: \( \frac{4}{2} = 2 \) - Dividing 8 by 2: \( \frac{8}{2} = 4 \) Therefore, replacing the blank: *You can divide both 4 and 8 by a common factor of **2**.* **Alternatively**, using the greatest common factor (**4**): - Dividing 4 by 4: \( \frac{4}{4} = 1 \) - Dividing 8 by 4: \( \frac{8}{4} = 2 \) So, you can also say: *You can divide both 4 and 8 by a common factor of **4**.* Choosing the greatest common factor can be particularly useful for simplifying ratios or fractions.